Lagatar24 Desk
Lahore, Jan 20: A bomb blast in Pan Mandi in Lahore’s Anarkali district killed at least three persons and injured 20 others on Thursday.
According to Pakistan daily ‘Dawn,’ Lahore police spokesperson Rana Arif confirmed the number of people killed and injured. He stated that a bomb had been “placed” in a motorcycle but did not elaborate.
According to witnesses, the bomb was so powerful that it damaged several businesses near Lahore’s famous Anarkali bazaar. As the wounded pleaded for aid, TV footage showed flaming motorcycles in a packed bazaar.
Lahore Police DIG Operations Abid Khan told reporters at the scene of the event that the impact of the blast created a crater, indicating that it was triggered by a bomb.
“Our technical team is collecting evidence. We will reach a conclusion on the basis of their analysis,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Umer Sher Chattha said the explosion happened in the last lane of Anarkali bazaar, near Circular Road. The explosive substance was allegedly hidden in a motorcycle parked outside a bank in the neighbourhood, according to him.
He also verified that three persons were killed in the blast, adding that the Forensic Science Agency, the Safe City Authority, and the bomb disposal squad will assess the nature of the blast.
Two of the injured were in critical condition, according to the DC, while the others were being treated at Mayo Hospital.
The issue was also brought to the attention of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, who directed the Inspector General of Police to file a report on the matter. He also ordered officials to offer the best possible medical care to the injured.
Buzdar issued a second statement condemning the explosion and promising that those guilty will be apprehended and justice would be served.
“This incident is aimed at sabotaging the atmosphere of law and order. Those responsible for the blast will not be able to escape the clutches of the law,” he said.
Shortly after the event, the deputy commissioner of Lahore asked the civil defence officer to dispatch a bomb disposal unit to the region and to conduct a complete and thorough search of the area.
In a statement, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan denounced the blast and urged authorities to offer the best medical care to those who were injured. He also asked the Punjab government for a report.
A bomb in a neighbourhood like Anarkali, according to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, is really sad and frightening. She prayed for those who were murdered or injured as a result of the incident.
