8 killed, 21 hurt in Lahore explosion

ISLAMABAD: At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured when a blast ripped through an upmarket area in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Thursday, the latest in a wave of terror attacks that has claimed nearly 130 lives.

The blast came just a day after the military announced it would launch a new nationwide drive against terrorists. For the first time, paramilitary troops will target terrorists in Punjab, of which Lahore is the capital.

Media reports quoted police sources as saying that a timed device with 10 kg of explosives was used in the attack. Security forces cordoned off the Defence Housing Authority area after the explosion, which occurred in an under-construction building. “It was a bomb attack,” Nayab Haider, a spokesman for Punjab Police, said.

“Eight people were killed as a result of the explosion in Lahore’s Defence area today,” said Punjab health minister Khwaja Salman Rafique. Forensic teams were working on the case and ascertaining facts, he said. A spokesperson for the rescue service said 21 people were injured. Some of the wounded were in a critical condition.

The Defence Housing Authority is home to several boutiques, cafes and businesses. Footage on television showed extensive damage. The powerful explosion blew out the windows of several buildings and damaged cars. People panicked and ran from the area after the attack.

There were also reports of a second blast near another market at Gulberg in Lahore but this was denied by provincial law minister Rana Sanaullah.

Initial reports on Geo News channel after the first blast said a generator had exploded but officials later confirmed a bomb had gone off.

Pakistan has been struck by a wave of terrorist attacks in recent weeks, killing at least 130 people across the country and leaving hundreds wounded.