At least five policemen were martyred in what officials described as a suicide bombing targeting an Elite Force van detailed to the security of the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore. Three civilians also lost their lives in the attack while 26 people were reported injured. Some of the wounded have also been admitted to Mayo Hospital, where an emergency has been imposed. According to media report, the impact of the blast shattered the windows in nearby vehicles and buildings.
Police officials believe the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. The Punjab chief minister’s spokesperson, Shahbaz Gill, told reporters that the attacker was a 15-year-old boy. The teenager came out of a fruit shop, crossed over to the police van, and then detonated the bomb. An initial probe has revealed that the bomb contained seven kilograms of explosive material.
Police set up checkpoints on main thoroughfares leading to the shrine and hospitals have been placed on alert, officials told Reuters. The shrine was immediately evacuated, with devotees moved out through exits away from the blast site. Entry to Data Darbar has since been restricted. The site of the attack was cordoned off for rescue efforts and investigation.
A heavy contingent of police, Counter-Terrorism Department and forensic officials collected evidence from the site of the attack. The IGP said police would share their findings once they conclude their probe. All regional police officers and city police officers have been directed to examine security arrangements in their respective areas and remain alert during the month of Ramazan. The chief minister offered his condolences to the families of the victims and instructed administrations to provide the injured with the best facilities for treatment.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the loss of lives in the attack, expressing grief and condoling with the victims’ families for their loss. PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif and Awami National Party General Secretary Ameer Hoti both condemned the attack. The loss of precious lives in this terror incident at the heart of Lahore is unfortunate and deplorable. Although due to ongoing war on terror has significantly improved security situation in the country but this incident shows that terrorists still have the strength to target public places. The central and provincial governments need to review implementation on National Action Plan and strict measure should be taken to avoid such untoward incident in future.
