Suicide blast outside the ‘Data Darbar’, Lahore on Wednesday (May 8) has claimed ten lives including three police officials and scores injured in this tragic incident. According to initial investigation, 7kg of explosives were used in the blast which targeted a vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the gate for checking. Police officials further informed that attack was suicidal in nature and Ball bearings were also used in the attack.
Security forces have sealed the area and evacuated the shrine. The police has recorded the statements of witnesses and the van’s driver. The martyred police officers were identified as Head Constable Shahid Nazir, Head Constable Muhammad Sohail, and Constable Muhammad Saleem.
An image taken from a CCTV video camera showed the alleged suicide attacker, carrying a bag, next to the right side of the Elite Force police van at 8:54am. According to Shahbaz Gill, spokesperson for Chief Minister of Punjab, the suicide bomber was 15-years-old. He had exited a shop selling fruits before making his way to the Elite Force van.
Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an investigation into the blast and has cancelled his trip to Sargodha, Bhakkar and Sheikhupura. He was in Bhakkar and is on his way back to Lahore. He had summoned an emergency security meeting.
