Anarkali Bazaar blast claims three lives, 25 others injured
LAHORE, Jan 20 (SABAH): At least three people were killed and 25 injured in a blast in Pan Mandi in Lahore’s Anarkali area, officials said on Thursday.
The casualties and the number of the injured were confirmed by Lahore police spokesperson Rana Arif. He said that a bomb was “planted” in a motorcycle but did not provide further details.
The blast was so powerful that it damaged several shops near Lahore’s famous Anarkali bazaar, witnesses said. TV footage showed burning motorcycles in a crowded bazaar, as the wounded cried for help.
The deceased include a man identified as Ramzan, 31, who was a resident of Ferozewala and a nine years old child identified as Absaar.
The police official said the blast caused a 1.5 feet-deep crater in the ground. The injured have been shifted to Mayo Hospital.
MS Mayo Hospital Dr. Iftikhar while talking to a prive TV channel said that we have received 28 injured out of them two are received dead, adding that the dead persons include nine years child Absar and 30 to 31 years old young man Ramzan. Dr. Iftikhar said that seven to eight persons are critically injured, adding that sonme injured persons have been discharged after the initial treatment. Three women are also included in the injured persons.
Scores of visitors throng to the Anarkali area every day where a number of markets and a variety of business centres are located.
Mayo Hospital officials said four people are in critical condition, with the doctors trying to save their lives. The medics have given first aid to other injured people.
Speaking to reporters at the scene of the incident, Lahore Police DIG Operations Dr. Muhammad Abid Khan said that the impact of the blast had left behind a crater which suggested that it was caused by a bomb. “Our technical team is collecting evidence. We will reach a conclusion on the basis of their analysis,” he said.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Umer Sher Chattha, meanwhile, said that the blast took place in the last lane of Anarkali bazaar, close to Circular Road. He said the explosive material was planted in a motorcycle which was parked outside a bank in the area.
He also confirmed that three people had died in the incident, adding that the nature of the blast would be determined by the Forensic Science Agency, the Safe City Authority and the bomb disposal squad.
The DC said that two of the injured were in critical condition while the wounded were being treated at Mayo Hospital.
Talking to newsmen Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman said five persons are seriously injured, and all possible medical facilities are being provided to the injured.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Ahemd Khan Buzdar also took notice of the incident and directed the inspector general of police to submit a report in this regard. He also directed officials to provide the injured with the best possible medical facilities.
In a separate statement, Buzdar condemned the blast and said that those responsible would be arrested and justice would be ensured. “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.
In a statement, Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the blast, and expressed grief and sorrow over loss of precious human lives in the incident.
The Prime Minister also sought report of the incident from the Punjab Government, and directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical assistance to the injured.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has condemned the Lahore blast in strong words. In a statement, he said the loss of human lives in the blast is tragic.
The Minister extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the blast and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those killed in the blast. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in a blast in Lahore’s historical and lively area of Anarkali,” he tweeted.
He added that an incident of terrorism in Lahore, following one in Islamabad was not a good omen for the country. He also prayed for the complete recovery of those injured in the blast.
Meanwhile PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that a blast in an area like Anarkali was incredibly sad and disturbing. She prayed for those killed and injured in the incident.
Vice President of Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sherry Rehman said she was “shocked and sorry” to hear about the blast in Lahore.