Bomb blast at an Islamic preaching centre in northwest Pakistan
[Representational Image]

At least 10 people, including police officials, were killed and 58 others injured after a bomb blast outside the Punjab Assembly rocked the busy Mall Road in Lahore, Pakistan, during a protest on Monday evening. Police forces and rescue teams have reached the spot and the rescue operations are underway. The area has been cordoned off.

According to reports, the blast happened during a protest by nurses at Mall Road's Charing Cross. DIG Traffic Lahore Captain (Retired) Ahmad Mobin, who was mediating with the protesters to end their strike a few hours ago, also lost his life in the attack.

A huge group of chemists and pharmaceutical manufacturers were protesting in front of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore's Mall Road when a vehicle that was parked nearby exploded. Several police officers were present in the area to maintain law and order during the protest.

Ambulances, fire tenders and other rescue services have already reached the spot and are shifting the injured to Mayo Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital, DawnNews reported. The Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Rangers have also reached the spot. Authorities have declared an emergency in all hospitals across Lahore.

Security forces have cordoned off the area with tents. The Pakistan Army has taken charge of the inner cordon. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The death toll is expected to rise.

According to local meida reports, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said the blast was a suicide attack.

Terror attack warning was issued

The National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA), in a February 7 notification, had warned the Punjab Home Secretary, the Provincial Police Officer and the DG Pak Rangers Punjab of a possible terrorist attack in Lahore, DawnNews reported. It had also ordered that all vital installations, including important buildings, hospitals and schools, be kept under strict vigilance.

"Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," the notification had stated.

Sanaullah said that maximum preparations were made following the warning of a possible terrorist attack. "The spot where the blast took place is always under threat. Even if there was no alert, strict security measures are always taken in the area," he said.

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