LAHORE – At least ten people, including four Punjab Police personnel, were martyred while 18 people were left injured in a suicide blast outside the Data Darbar, Lahore, on Wednesday morning.
According to media reports, the blast targeted a van of the elite force of the Punjab police on the main road near Bhatti Chowk. According to police officials four policemen, a security guard and five civilians were among the dead.
The martyred police officers were identified as Head Constable Shahid Nazir, Head Constable Muhammad Sohail, and Constable Muhammad Saleem.
The police officials have confirmed that it was a suicide attack in which 7kg of explosives were used, adding that the attack targeted the police force.
The police arrived at the site, cordoned off the area and collected the evidence from the blast site.
According to Rescue 1122, injured have been shifted to Mayo Hospital, where four of them are said to be in critical condition.
The blast occurred around 8:45 am outside Gate number 2, where the cops were deployed for security.
Meanwhile, the Data Darbar administration and security forces have sealed the entrance to the Data Darbar and Zaireens have been asked to leave the site.
PM condemns Lahore blast
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly denounced the blast outside Data Darbar in Lahore and sought report from the authorities.
The prime minister commiserated with the bereaved families and directed the authorities concerned to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the blast.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has also cancelled his visits to Bhakkar, Sargodha and Sheikhupura.
He has directed the authorities concerned to provide every possible medical treatment to those injured in the explosion.
