Lahore (Web Desk): At least three people were killed and more than 25 injured in a blast at Paan Mandi in Lahore's Anarkali bazaar on Thursday.
Lahore police spokesperson Rana Arif, confirmed the casualties and the number of the injured.
He said that a bomb was "planted" in a motorcycle but did not provide further details.
Windows of nearby shops and buildings were left shattered by the explosion and motorcycles damaged.
A heavy contingent of police rushed to the blast site and cordoned off the area.
Talking to newsmen at the scene of the incident, Lahore Police DIG Operations Abid Khan said that the impact of the blast had left behind a crater which suggested that it was caused by a bomb.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Umer Sher Chattha, said that the blast took place in the last lane of Anarkali bazaar, close to Circular Road.
He said that the explosive material was planted in a motorcycle which was parked outside a bank in the area.
The DC Lahore 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.
As per the officials of Mayo Hospital, the deceased were identified as 38-year-old Ramzan, resident of Ferozewala, and a child aged 10-12, Zeeshan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the bombing in a statement, urging authorities to provide the best possible medical facilities to those who were wounded. He also sought a report from the Punjab government.
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President Dr Arif Alvi also condemned the Lahore blast in strong and extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the blast. He prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar 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.
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Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif said the blast at the historic marketplace was "upsetting", as poor people and innocent children lost their lives and were injured as a result of the incident.
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PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz and also condemned the blast and said a blast taking occurring at an extremely crowding place was concerning. "May Allah have mercy on the families and Pakistan," she said.
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