Lahore blast: CM Shehbaz Sharif visits injured as Punjab observes day of mourning

LAHORE - Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif paid a visit to Ganga Ram hospital early Tuesday to inquire after the health of people who were left injured in the deadly bomb blast.

Shehbaz Sharif sympathized with the victims and paid rich tribute to the deceased police officers and civilians who lost their lives on Monday.

He also issued necessary instructions for best treatment of the injured.

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Afterward, in a series of tweets, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the valour and commitment of police officers and expressed that terrorists struck at heart of Pakistan.

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A day of mourning is being observed in Punjab today to mourn the deaths of thirteen people including two senior police officials who lost their lives in a tragic blast on Monday.

According to reports, the national flags on important buildings in Punjab will remain at half-mast whereas the trade associations across the province have announced that markets will be closed.

Bar associations in multiple cities including Lahore have also announced that they would restrict their activities in grief of the deceased.

At least 16 people including senior police officers were killed while 73 others were left injured after a massive explosion near Punjab Assembly on Monday.

The bomb blast occurred at Chairing Cross, Mall Road, Lahore, killing DIG Traffic Capt (r) Ahmad Mubeen, SSP Mahmood Gondal and DSP Pervez Butt, police sources told Daily Pakistan.

"The incident occurred as hundreds of chemists were protesting nearby against a new regulatory law," Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said.

Many vehicles parked near the blast site caught fire, triggering panic and chaos in the area.