LAHORE: At least three people, including a child, were killed and 29 others injured in a blast at New Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore on Friday, police said.
A terrifying explosion took place near Pan Mandi in New Anarkali area of Lahore, the sound of which was heard far and wide and panic spread.
The blast was so powerful that the windows of nearby buildings shattered and several parked motorcycles caught fire. It was initially called a cylinder explosion, but was later reported to have been a bomb blast. The bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a police recruiting center.
As soon as the incident was reported, rescue teams rushed to the spot while senior police officers were also present on the spot.
The dead have been identified as Absar, Ramzan and Yasir. A man named Ramzan was working at a nearby shop while Absar was 9 years old and his mother was also injured.
According to doctors, 18-year-old Yasir was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
The injured include women
The blast injured 23 people, including three women, seven of whom are in critical condition. The injured include 30-year-old Adeem Shuja, 40-year-old Jamil Abdullah, Rada Khalid, Nabila and Nisha. The deceased child is the mother of Absar and the family is said to be from Karachi. The two injured women are between 20 and 25 years old. The injured were shifted to Mayo Hospital for medical treatment.
High alert in Lahore
CCPO Fayyaz Ahmed Deo has directed the police to assist in rescue operations on the spot. Security in Lahore has been placed on high alert. DIG Operations Dr Muhammad Abid Khan has ordered to increase security at the entrances and exits of the city and tighten the checking process at check posts.
The Prime Minister called for a report
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the Lahore blast and directed immediate medical aid to the injured and demanded a report of the incident from the Punjab government.
Punjab Government Spokesman Hassan Khawar
Punjab government spokesman Hassan Khawar condemned the blast and gave details of the incident. He said the blast in Anar Kali took place at 1:40 a.m. and police received a call four minutes later.
Preliminary report submitted to Punjab Chief Minister
The IG Punjab submitted a preliminary investigation report to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar stating that the blast was caused by a planted device which damaged the building and eight motorcycles.
According to the preliminary investigation report, 29 people were injured and 02 were killed in the blast. A call was received on the police helpline at 1:44 am, after which the administration including Lahore police rushed to the spot.
According to the report, police, forensic agencies and intelligence agencies are present at the scene, who are also investigating the use of explosives in motorcycles with the help of CCTV cameras.
Initial reports said that an emergency was declared in all the hospitals in Lahore immediately after the blast and medical aid was being provided to the injured. Some suspects were arrested and are being investigated.
Incident case registered
A case of terrorism in Anarkali Pan Mandi was registered in CTD police station on the complaint of SHO Abid Baig under other provisions including terrorism. The text of the FIR states that the investigation teams found ball bearings and other materials at the scene.
It is written in the FIR that three unidentified terrorists came on a motorcycle and parked the vehicle loaded with explosives and left. IED material was used for the terrorist operation.
MS Mayo Hospital Dr. Iftikhar talks to media
Dr. Iftikhar said that the limbs of the four injured in the blast were amputated, which is critical and one of them died.
