Suicide bomber targeted Elite Force van outside shrine: initial report

LAHORE: Initial investigation report confirmed that the suicide bomber had directly targeted Elite Force vehicle outside Gate No. 2 of Data Darbar shrine, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

The police department has released an initial investigation report of the Lahore terror attack where at least ten people including five elite force personnel were martyred and 25 other sustained wounds.

Lahore Police spokesperson said that the suicide bomber has directly Elite Force vehicle outside Gate No. 2 of Data Darbar shrine at 8:44 am.

“10 people were martyred in the incident,” confirmed the spokesperson.

“The martyred persons include four police officials, one security guard and five citizens. Three policemen, two women and 15 locals were currently receiving medical treatment,” said Lahore Police.

The spokesperson detailed that the crime scene was secured and the concerned police unit is continuing the further investigation.

Earlier in the day, while talking to media Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Arif Nawaz, confirmed that the blast was suicide in nature as they found remains of the bomber.

“The bomber targeted elite force vehicle deployed at gate no 2 of the Data Darbar”, he continued.

Two out of five elite force personnel who lost their lives in the blast were identified as Shahid and Saleem, said rescue sources.

PM condemns blast

Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the blast outside Data Darbar in Lahore and sought a report from the authorities concerned.

The prime minister commiserated with the bereaved families and directed the authorities concerned to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the blast.