Rescue teams reached the scene after receiving information, took custody of the bodies and handed them over to the police.

Police said the deceased children were identified as five-year-old Momina Batool, four-year-old Momina Raza and one-and-a-half-year-old Ume Habiba.

They said the children’s father is Ramzan and the mother is Rida, and that the father works as a motor mechanic. The family lived on the second floor of a four-storey plaza.

According to the police, the parents had locked the flat and gone to the market. When they returned, the flat was locked, and the bodies of the children were found inside, along with a sharp instrument at the scene.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and forensic teams are collecting evidence. The children’s uncle has been taken into custody.

The inspector general of Punjab took notice of the murder of three children in Ichhra, sought a report from the CCPO Lahore and ordered the immediate arrest of the accused.

Deputy Inspector General (Investigation) Syed Zeeshan Raza visited the scene and examined evidence, police said.

A special team has been formed under the leadership of the SP Investigation Model Town, while forensic teams collected evidence from the spot, according to police.

Syed Zeeshan Raza said every aspect of the incident is being investigated, and the accused will be arrested soon and brought to justice.

Police said the bodies of the children have been shifted for post-mortem examination.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the killing of three children and sought an immediate report on the incident, according to official statements.

The chief minister ordered the police to arrest the suspect without delay, directing authorities to ensure swift action in the “brutal” case.

“The incident of the brutal murder of children is extremely painful,” she said, adding that those responsible would not be able to escape legal action and “severe punishment.”

She also expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and prayed for patience for the bereaved.

Police have been directed to expedite the investigation and present findings at the earliest, the statement added.