LAHORE: The government of Punjab has declared a day of mourning on Tuesday after a terrorist attack near Punjab Assembly in Lahore that claimed at least 13 lives including two top police officials of the province, ARY News reported.
The government failed to thwart deadly suicide attack despite intelligence reports and threat alerts from Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior. The suicide bomber killed 13 people including DIG Traffic Lahore Capt. Mubeen and SSP Zahid Gondal who were talking to protesting chemists. Around 108 people were injured in the bombing at Mall Road, several of them said to be in a precarious condition, hospital sources said.
“The incident occurred as hundreds of chemists protested a new law near the Punjab provincial assembly building,” Rana Sanaullah, the provincial law minister told media.
Captain Mubeen was holding talks with Pakistan Pharmaceuticals Association members to end the association’s sit-in at the Mall Road when the blast occurred leaving him dead and more than 40 others severely injured.
Police and rescue agencies soon reached the spot and started the rescue operation. A number of injured are in critical condition and are being moved to nearby hospitals.
Eight dead bodies and 19 of the injured victims were moved to Ganga Ram Hospital while two bodies and 18 injured victims were sent to Mayo Hospital.
ARY News reporter Ahmed Khokhar was near the spot covering the pharmacists’ protest opposite Punjab Assembly when the blast occurred.
Eye witnesses say the blast occurred when a man suddenly came close to a media organization’s DSNG van and exploded. The DSNG van was completely destroyed in the deadly blast.
IG Punjab explains the incident
IG Punjab Mushtaq Sukhera, while talking to media, maintained that the pharmacists’ protest was provided full security and the area was cordoned off.
“A number of police officers including SSP operations Zahid Gondal and DIG Traffic Captain Mubeen were here who held talks with the pharmacists and an announcement was made for the protesters to disperse. This suicide bomber was waiting to hit police officers, he (the bomber) came out from a DSNG van when the DIG’s gunmen stopped him but he went towards the van and exploded himself,” said Sukhera.
Sukhera claimed that a militant organization ‘Jamaatul Ahrar’ has claimed responsibility for the attack but the police “does not rely on such responsibility claims and will investigate the incident”.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF DIG TRAFFIC TALKING TO A PROTESTER MOMENTS BEFORE THE BLAST
It is pertinent to note here that the National Counter Terrorism Authority had issued a letter alerting police about a possible terror attack in Lahore.
“All vital installations, including important buildings, hospitals and schools may be kept under strict vigilance,” reads the letter issued on February 7.
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Condolences and condemnations pour in
“Today, tragedy has struck Lahore. Alongside innocent civilians, we have lost two of our own brave Police officers Captain Mubeen and Zahid Gondal. They were good men who died serving and protecting the people of this great country. They will be vindicated in our constant struggle for peace and security, and honored as martyrs, the bravest and finest of men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their people.
Terrorism isn’t a novelty for us. Our story has been one of constant struggle against its grasp, and a fight for the soul of Pakistan . We have fought this fight against the terrorists among us , and will continue to fight it until we liberate our people of this cancer, and avenge those who have laid down their lives for us,” PM Nawaz Sharif said in a statement issued from his office.
“This is not only a responsibility of this administration, but also a solemn pledge to the people of this country. We will not stop until we can call ourselves a free and secure people; that is a promise.” added the PM.
Chief Of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, while condemning the terrorist act, has expressed his grief for loss of innocent lives. He instructed local army commander and intelligence agencies to provide all necessary assistance to civil administration in evacuation of injured to hospitals and also to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act
پارٹی کے عہدیدار، رہنما اور کارکنان فوری طور پر ہسپتالوں میں پہنچ کر زخمیوں کی جانیں بچانے کے لئے خون کے عطیات دیں۔ آصف علی زرداری
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 13, 2017
دہشتگردی اس وقت ختم ہوگی جب دہشتگردی اور شدت پسندی کی نرسریوں کو ختم کیا جائے گا۔آصف علی زرداری
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 13, 2017
کراچی: پیپلزپارٹی چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری کی جانب سے لاہور میں ہونے والے دھماکے کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 13, 2017
کراچی: دہشتگرد پولیس افسران اور معصوم شہریوں کو نشانہ بنا رہے ہیں، بلاول بھٹو زرداری
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 13, 2017
Shocked & saddened by the blast in Lahore. My prayers go to the families of the victims and for speedy recovery of the injured.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 13, 2017
Shocked to hear at the loss of life of Capt DIG Mobeen in the Lahore blast today. A brilliant officer. May Allah bless his soul
— Mohammad Sarwar (@ChMSarwar) February 13, 2017
Senate Chairman, Raza Rabbani, Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and others have also condemned the blast.
