Maryam Nawaz condemns 'Anarkal market explosion'

Lahore: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday condemned the explosion that hit Lahore's Anarkali Bazar, the area where a number of market places and a variety of businesses are located and scores of people visit the market every day.

According to details, Maryam Nawaz said in a Twitter message that the explosion in the busiest Anarkali market is a very sad and disturbing incident.

She also stated that nine people, including a child, were killed in the explosion while dozens were injured. May Allah have mercy on all of them, their families and Pakistan.

انار کلی بازار جسے پر ہجوم اور مصروف ترین علاقہ میں دھماکہ ایک نہایت افسوسناک اور تشویشناک واقعہ ہے۔ ایک بچے سمیت ۳ افراد جاں بحق اور درجنوں افراد زخمی ہو گئے۔ اللّہ ان سب پر، انکے خاندانوں پر اور پاکستان پر رحم فرمائے ??

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 20, 2022

On Thursday, in a tragic incident, at least three people—including a kid were killed while over 20 sustained injuries after a horrific explosion rocked Lahore’s New Anarkali on Thursday (January 20).

At least two people have been killed while 28 including women and children sustained injuries when a blast took place at New Anarkali area in the Punjab's provincial capital. 

Rescue teams and police reached the spot after getting information and shifted the deceased and injured to Mayo Hospital where an emergency alert has been imposed. The area has been cordoned off and police is gathering evidence from the place of incident. 

As per police a huge number of people were present at the place of incident. The bomb disposal squad is being called in to inspect the site for explosives. 

The explosion left the windows of nearby shops and buildings shattered.

Seven victims are said to be in critical condition, said officials. 

Medical Superintendent (MS) Mayo Hospital Doctor Iftikhar revealed that a 9-year-old boy was among dead. 

Authorities stated that the blast caused a 1.5 feet-deep crater in the ground, said police.

They said the device was planted outside the shop of a prize bond dealer and damaged several food outlets in the street besides vehicles parked nearby. 

Initial reports suggested that the blast was a cylinder explosion at a shop. However, forensic experts said that the blast might be triggered through a time device.

In the meantime, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice to the incident and directed the concerned authorities to submit a detailed report as soon as possible.