MOHSIN SOOMRO
LAHORE: At least 16 people lost their lives and 70 got severely injured in a suicide attack outside the Punjab Assembly here during a large protest by chemists and drug manufacturers.
According to police, the explosion took place on Mall Road, killing 16 persons including DIG Traffic Captain (R) Ahmed Mubeen and SSP Zahid Gondal.
The large group of chemists and pharma manufacturers were protesting in front of the assembly when a nearby vehicle exploded.
“Explosion was caused when a man riding a motorcycle collided with a vehicle,” said a traffic officer on the scene.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed the blast, saying that police failed to maintain a high level security due to massive participation of people in the protest.
“It is premature to say anything about the nature of the blast and the exact number of injured people,” he said.
Ambulances rushed to the crime scene following the incident. The explosion also resulted into a stampede on the scene.
The injured are being shifted to Mayo Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital.
Security forces have cordoned off the area.
National Counter-terrorism Authority (NACTA) had earlier sent a notification to the Home Secretary, Punjab, on February 7, warning the authorities of a possible terrorist attack in Lahore.
It had directed that all vital installations, including important buildings, hospitals and schools, be kept under strict vigilance.
“Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident,” the notification read.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced earlier that the final of ongoing Pakistan Super League will be held in Lahore where many international players will arrive this month. This blast could be an act to sabotage the peace and it might affect the PSL’s final.
Meanwhile, Lahore traders have announced that they would keep the shops closed on Tuesday.
