(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The death toll of the suicide blast in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore on Sunday night rose to 55 with around 100 others wounded, said officials.
Provincial police chief, IG Mushtaq Sukhera told media that the bomb exploded outside a restaurant near a paramilitary soldiers' checkpoint at Wagah border on the outskirts of Lahore city killing at least 55 people.
City police chief, Amin Wains confirming the suicidal attack said, "People were returning after watching the parade at Wagah border when the blast took place. Ball bearings were found at the scene." Around 100 people including women and children have also been reportedly injured.
The blast occurred at a time when a large number of people were leaving the parade area after watching a military flag lowering ceremony that takes place every evening at the Wagah border post along with the Indian border.
Director General Rangers Punjab, Khan Tahir Khan confirmed that the explosion was a suicide blast adding, "The parade venue is about 600 meters ahead of the blast site. Because of the strict checking the suicide bomber detonated the bomb away from the parade venue." He further said that the dead included three paramilitary personnel.
The injured were shifted to the nearby hospitals where an emergency was imposed in all hospitals of the city. A hospital official, medical superintendent Dr Iftikhar confirmed that over 100 people have been brought to Ghurki Hospital. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic incident.
Many shops and nearby buildings were reportedly destroyed at the site of the blast. Wagah is the only road border crossing between the Indian city of Amritsar and the Pakistani city of Lahore.
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