DIG operations says initial investigation points to use of IED in the explosion
\n Lahore
\nAt least two people were killed and 26 injured in a blast in Pan Mandi in Lahore\u2019s Anarkali area, officials said on Thursday.
\nEarlier, a police spokesperson said three persons were killed in the blast, but Lahore Capital City Police Officer spokesperson Mubashir Hussain later confirmed two casualties. Police spokesperson Rana Arif also told Dawn.com that the blast was caused by a bomb \u201cplanted\u201d in a motorcycle but did not provide further details.
\nThe blast was so powerful that it damaged several shops near Lahore\u2019s famous Anarkali bazaar, witnesses said. TV footage showed burning motorcycles in a crowded bazaar, as the wounded cried for help.
\nSpeaking to reporters at the scene of the incident, Lahore Police DIG Operations Abid Khan said that the impact of the blast had left behind a crater which suggested that it was caused by a bomb.
\n\u201cOur technical team is collecting evidence. We will reach a conclusion on the basis of their analysis,\u201d he said.
\nLahore Deputy Commissioner Umer Sher Chattha, meanwhile, said that the blast took place in the last lane of Anarkali bazaar, close to Circular Road. He said the explosive material was planted in a motorcycle which was parked outside a bank in the area.
\nHe also confirmed that three people had died in the incident, adding that the nature of the blast would be determined by the Forensic Science Agency, the Safe City Authority and the bomb disposal squad.
\nThe DC said that two of the injured were in critical condition while the wounded were being treated at Mayo Hospital.
\nPunjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also took notice of the incident and directed the inspector general of police to submit a report in this regard. He also directed officials to provide the injured with the best possible medical facilities.
\nIn a separate statement, Buzdar condemned the blast and said that those responsible would be arrested and justice would be ensured. \u201cThis incident is aimed at sabotaging the atmosphere of law and order. Those responsible for the blast will not be able to escape the clutches of the law,\u201d he said.
\nPoliticians condemn incident
\nPrime Minister Imran Khan condemned the bombing in a statement, urging authorities to provide the best possible medical facilities to those who were wounded. He also sought a report from the Punjab government.
\nPML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that a blast in an area like Anarkali was incredibly sad and disturbing. She prayed for those killed and injured in the incident.
\nPPP\u2019s Sherry Rehman said she was \u201cshocked and sorry\u201d to hear about the blast in Lahore.
\nPML-N President Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those killed in the blast.
\n\u201cI am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in a blast in Lahore\u2019s historical and lively area of Anarkali,\u201d he tweeted.
\nHe added that an incident of terrorism in Lahore, following one in Islamabad was not a good omen for the country. He also prayed for the complete recovery of those injured in the blast.
\nInterior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also condemned the incident and expressed grief over the lives lost. He said that he had sought a report from the Punjab government.
\nSpecial Assistant to the Prime Minister for Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said that the enemy takes such steps to spread chaos and uncertainty in an effort to damage the economy. He urged TV channels to report the incident and refrain from indulging in sensationalism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DIG operations says initial investigation points to use of IED in the explosion Lahore At least two people were killed and 26 injured in a blast in Pan Mandi in Lahore\u2019s Anarkali area, officials said on Thursday. Earlier, a police spokesperson said three persons were killed in the blast, but Lahore Capital City Police Officer […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":239709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[483,3188,3187],"class_list":{"0":"post-239699","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news","8":"tag-dead","9":"tag-injured","10":"tag-lahore-bomb-blast"},"yoast_head":"\n