Pakistan: At least 3 killed, several injured in blast at Lahore's famous Anarkali bazar

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At least three people were killed and 20 injured in a blast in Lahore's Anarkali area on Thursday, Dawn news reported, quoting officials.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has taken 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. The injured have been shifted to a hospital nearby.

The casualties and the number of the injured were confirmed by Lahore police spokesperson Rana Arif, Dawn news reported

According to police, the blast took place near the Paan Mandi, where Indian commodities are sold. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far.

"We are ascertaining the nature of blast. Over 20 people have been injured in blast and shifted to hospitals," Deputy Inspector General Police Operation Dr Mohammad Abid told reporters at the site of the blast near Lahore’s historic Walled City. Abid did not rule out the possibility of a time device implanted in a motorcycle or placed at the market. 

"The crater at the blast site indicated the possibility of a time device. However, at this stage we can't confirm this," he said. The Counter Terrorism Department and Bomb Disposal Squad officials have reached the spot and are examining the nature of the blast, he said. According to the Rescue 1122, the injured have been shifted to the Mayo Hospital where two succumbed to their injuries.

Mayo Hospital medical superintendent Dr Iftikhar said that two persons including a boy succumbed to their wounds. He said the condition of four injured brought to the hospital is critical.

A good number of motorcycles and vendors' stalls were also damaged on the blast. Police have cordoned off the area. The whole Anarkali Bazaar is shut after the blast. 

(with PTI inputs)