At least eight people including three police officials were martyred and scores injured in a suicide blast outside the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
According to initial police reports, the blast targetted a van carrying the Elite Force of Punjab Police.
Inspector-General Punjab Police Captain (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan confirmed the attack targetted the police force, and said three police officials died in the blast. A security guard and civilians were also among the dead.
The martyred police officers were identified as Head Constable Shahid Nazir, Head Constable Muhammad Sohail, and Constable Muhammad Saleem.
According to DIG Operations Lahore Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, at least 25 people were being treated for injuries, some of whom were in critical condition.
“The blast took place around 8:45am outside Gate number 2, where the police personnel were deployed for security,” he said.
Punjab Police spokesperson Nayab Haider told Geo News that initial investigation suggested the attack was suicidal in nature.
“It was a suicide bombing. The target was a vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the gate for checking,” he said.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Saleha Saeed told media that one of the dead bodies brought in to Mayo Hospital was that of the suspected attacker.
“It was a suicide attack. Ball bearings were also used in the attack,” she told reporters.
