At least 10 people have been feared killed and scores injured after a blast rocked a protest outside the Punjab Assembly on Lahore’s Mall Road, Pakistani media reported on Monday.
The explosion occurred during a protest by chemists and pharmaceuticals against the government, although it is not clear if the demonstration was targeted.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told Dunya News that this could be a suicide blast.
“It has not yet been confirmed, but security personnel present on the scene think that it was most probably a suicide blast,” he said.
The injured were taken to Mayo Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital.
Rescue services and fire tenders have been sent to the explosion site and the area has been cordoned off.
DIG Traffic Lahore Capt (retd) Ahmad Mobin is reported to be among those killed in the attack along with SSP Gondal of Punjab Police.
Hours earlier, Mobin had been seen on television mediating with protesters to end the strike and clear the area, Pakistani media reports said.
It may be recalled that Lahore was the site of an Easter Day bombing last year that killed more than 70 people in a public park.
More details are awaited.
Source: Rediff