Eight People Including 3 Policemen Martyred In Suicide Blast Outside Data Shrine
LAHORE–At least eight people including three police officials were martyred and 25 others wounded after a suspected suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Data Ganj Baksh shrine on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
The bomber apparently targeted a van carrying the Elite Force of Punjab Police, officials said.
Inspector-General Punjab Punjab Police Captain (retired) Arif Nawaz Khan confirmed the attack targeted the police force, saying three police officials died in the blast.
A security guard and civilians were also among the dead.
According to DIG Operations Lahore Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, at least 25 people are being treated for injuries, some of whom were in critical condition.
“The blast took place around 8:45am outside Gate number 2, where the police personnel were deployed for security,” he said.
Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner Saleha Saeed told media that one of the dead bodies brought in to Mayo Hospital was that of the suspected attacker.
“It was a suicide attack. Ball bearings were also used in the attack,” she told reporters.
Entry to the Data shrine was sealed in the aftermath of the blast, and devotees have been asked to turn away as police conduct initial investigation into the incident.
Data shrine, one of the largest Sufi shrines in South Asia that dates back to the 11th century, was targeted previously in a 2010 suicide attack that killed more than 40 people.
CM Punjab summons emergency meeting
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has called an emergency meeting following the suicide blast outside Data Darbar shrine in Lahore in which at least eight people including three police officials were martyred on Wednesday.
Condemning the blast which targeted the police, the chief minister postponed his visit to Bhakkar and summoned an emergency meeting with high police officials and Safe City authorities.
The chief minister said terrorism cannot dampen the nation’s spirit.
PM Imran, President Alvi condemn blast
Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi condemned the suicide blast outside Data shrine shrine.
PM Imran strongly denounced the blast outside Data shrine.
The prime minister has sought a report of the incident and has directed the authorities concerned to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the blast.
The president deplored the loss of precious lives in the incident, saying those involved in such despicable incident in the holy month of Ramadan are misguided elements.
SOURCE: GEO NEWS AND NEWS AGENCIES
