At least eight persons were killed and 35 others injured on Thursday in a bomb blast the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
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.
Punjab Police spokesman Nayab Haider told the media that it was a “bomb attack”.
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.
A spokesperson for the rescue service said eight people were killed and 35 injured. Some of the injured were in a critical condition.
The Defence Housing Authority is home to several boutiques, cafes and businesses.
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.Pakistan shuts key border crossing with Afghanistan in wake of shrine attack
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