An explosion has been reported in Lahore's Johar Town area Wednesday, leaving at least 3 dead and 23 people injured, as per the police sources.
Emergency declared in Jinnah hospital:
An emergency has been declared in the Jinnah hospital to treat the injured. The Jinnah Hospital management has asked people to come forward and donate blood for the injured.
According to the Medical Superintendent of Jinnah Hospital, seven of the injured brought to the hospital are critically injured. The MS said the injured have been brought in with ball bearing and blast injuries.
As per the details, rescue and bomb disposal teams have reached the site of the incident. Police teams and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) have also reached the site and cordoned off the area. The nature of the blast is yet to be determined. However, as per an eyewitness, an unidentified motor vehicle has caused the explosion.
The witnesses say that the glass windows of nearby houses and buildings have been shattered. Meanwhile, the police say a 3 feet deep and 8 feet wide crater has been created at the site of the blast.
IG Police Inam Ghani says police was the target:
IG Punjab Inam Ghani, while briefing media, has said that the target of the blast appears to be the police. He said the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) will determine what kind of explosive material was used and if it was a suicide attack.
He added that there was a police check post in the area that possibly stopped the vehicle to reach a high-value target.
CM Buzdar takes notice of the incident:
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Khan Buzdar has taken notice of the incident. CM has ordered an immediate investigation of the incident and asked the Inspector-General of Police Inam Ghani to submit a detailed report of the blast to him.
The interior minister seeks report from chief secretary, IG Punjab:
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has taken notice of the blast and sought a report from the chief secretary and IG Punjab. He said, federal authorities will help provincial forces to conduct a thorough investigation.
This is a developing story.
