14 killed, 38 wounded in explosion near Lahore's Arfa technology park
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Minister of Punjab have grieved the loss of lives
LAHORE (Web Desk) – An explosion was heard in Sabzi Mandi near Arfa Software Technology Park on Monday and initial reports suggest that nine police among 14 persons were killed and 38 wounded.
Reportedly, a vehicle that was being driven in violation of traffic rules at the site, exploded and it is yet to be ascertained that whether there were explosives planted in it.
Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah said that an anti-encroachment drive was underway in the area and quite possibly police as well as the technology park could have been the target.
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State of emergency has been imposed in nearby hospitals and all 38 injured have been shifted to General Hospital.
The technology house was evacuated as per reports. According to Operations Wing Director General of Police, personnel have not confirmed the nature of blast as yet.
Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, spokesperson for the Government of Punjab has reported in an exclusive talk with Dunya News that at least four to five persons are critical but all resources are being utilised at General Hospital for their medical treatment.
However, he further said that it is too soon to brand the explosion a terror attack. Agencies concerned would let out the details once they collect evidence and examine the site, he added.
According to the reporters on ground, security arrangments in the vicinity, given that Chief Minister (CM) Secretariat is nearby, were not sufficient though personnel belonging to security agencies and rescue department reached the site without objectionable delay.
Three motorcylces and a car were destroyed in the blast whereas registration number of the suspected vehicle was laid out LRB 9308.
Condemnation
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the attack in the metropolis. He has offered condolences to the grieving families of the killed. According to the Prime Minister House, the premier has directed authorities in Lahore to ensure the best treatment of the wounded in hospitals.
Army chief directed authorities for immediate rescue and relief efforts.
COAS shares grief with victim families of Lhr blast. Directs for immediate rescue and relief efforts. Troops reached at site.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 24, 2017
CM Shehbaz, whose secretariat is near to the blast site condemned the attack and vowed to provide the best medical treatment to the injured.
As scheduled, interior minister Chaudhry Nisar conducted his much-speculated-about press conference but refrained from talking about the political situation. He said that he would not be commenting on Panama Papers case today in wake of the blast in Lahore.
He said that he has not cancelled the press briefing but has postponed it.
Nisar s brief talk:
This is a breaking story and details are to be added as developments surface. However, some details in the reportage over developing stories are retractable at times.
