At least three people killed and 21 others injured reported in an explosion at a house in Johar Town. One of the buildings badly damaged by the intensity of the explosion. Several cars parked near the building also damaged in the explosion. Among the injured are a police officer, a woman and two children. The injured were in critical condition due to burns from the explosion.
According to reports, rescue workers, police and a bomb disposal squad arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. Although, the 21 injured taken to Jinnah Hospital in Lahore in a private car and rickshaw for treatment. Moreover, Jinnah hospital management urged people to come and donate blood for the injured people.
An eye witness told media that an unidentified person parked a motorbike near the house. Police sealed off the area for further investigation while traffic has diverted.
Initial report submitted to IG Punjab
Authorities submitted the preliminary report of incident to Inspector General Punjab and it will present to CM Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar shortly.
According to initial reports, more than 30kg of foreign made explosives materials i.e ball bearings, nails used in today’s blast. Material had planted in a car and device detonated remotely. Today’s blast caused damage within a 100 sq ft radius.
Who was the target in Johar Town blast?
IG Punjab Inam Ghani said police has targeted in the attack. He advised people not to listen to rumors of the explosion. Further, CTD is investigating the incident and a detailed report will release on the nature of the explosion and the materials used.
When asked about the high-profile personality blacklisted Jamat-Ud-Dawah’s head Hafiz Saeed house near the crime scene, IGP said the vehicle could have reached him if there was no police station. But walls of his house has damaged with blast. You have to thank the police. He has promised to arrest the perpetrators of the terrorist attack. Moreover, Hafiz Saeed is currently serving his sentence in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore.
After the Johar Town blast, the Lahore Police Chief issued instructions to increase security throughout the city. Special instructions are given to check for suspicious persons and uncollected items.
Interior Minister and CM Punjab have taken notices of incident
Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has taken notice of incident and demand a report ASAP. The federal agency is assisting the Punjab government in the investigation.
After the incident, CM Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar asked the Inspector General of Police to provide a detailed report on the explosion. The Punjab government announced on Twitter that CM has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
A state of emergency has declared for the treatment of the injured at Jinnah Hospital. Moreover, Rescue 1122 and other aid organizations has asked to expedite rescue operations.
Former CM Punjab also expressed concerns
Opposition Leader in National Assembly and former Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shehbaz Sharif expressed concerns about law and order situation. He condemn the terror attack and pray for departed souls as well as for injureds.
Political parties PML(N) and PPP also condemned the incident on their twitter accounts
Hamza Shahbaz strongly condemned the blast in Lahore. He said that he is very sad to know the loss of precious lives today. This scene is enough to open government’s eyes about law and order. He also prayed for the victims of the brutal blast and for their families.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned and linked the blast to Pakistan’s policy in the Afghan peace process as misdirected.
Read Also: If the US is allowed facilities in Afghanistan, Pakistan may become a target once more: Imran Khan
This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.
