Lahore Blast Anarkali Bazar
LAHORE – At least three dead and 26 others sustained injuries during a blast at Paan Mandi in Anarkali Bazaar on Thursday.
A heavy contingent of police rushed to the blast site – a prize bond shop – in Anarkali Bazaar near Lahore’s historic Walled City. Police took control of the situation and cordoned off the blast site.
The wounded were rushed to the nearby Mayo Hospital. The deceased have been identified as 38-year-old Ramzan, resident of Ferozewala, and a child aged 10-12, Zeeshan, hospital officials said.
The windows of nearby shops and buildings left shattered due to the blast.
The shop caught fire after the explosion reducing it to ashes as forensic experts said that a time device was used to detonate the bomb.
Police earlier said that it appeared to be a cylinder blast while the Rescue 112 officials said it looked like a bomb blast.
Punjab IGP took notice of the blast and sought a report from Lahore CCPO.
Lahore Deputy Inspector-General of Operations Dr Muhammad Abid Khan told the media that the investigation was in the initial stages and the nature of the blast was being ascertained.
The police official said the blast caused a 1.5 feet-deep-hole in the ground, while the injured people had been shifted to Mayo Hospital.
Politicians express sorrow
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar condemned the incident and ordered authorities to arrest the people responsible for the blast. "The government stands with the affectees in their times of sorrow."
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said the blast at the historic marketplace was "upsetting", as poor people and innocent children lost their lives and were injured as a result of the incident.