10 dead, 30 hurt in Lahore blast

Lahore, February 23

At least 10 people were killed and 30 others injured today when a powerful bomb ripped through a market in a posh locality here, the latest in a series of terror attacks that have left Pakistan on edge.

The explosion, the second to hit the city within 10 days, took place at the posh Z Block market of the Defence Housing Society (DHA).

The blast came a day after Pakistan Army launched a nationwide military operation 'Radd-ul-Fasaad' to eliminate terrorists and consolidate gains of its counter-terrorism operations.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told reporters that eight people were killed and 30 others injured in the blast.

However, two dead bodies were later recovered from the debris of an under-construction building where the explosive device was planted.

“The death toll of the DHA blast has risen to 10 after two more persons were recovered from the under-construction building," Edhi Foundation Lahore spokesman Muhammad Younis said.

Among the injured, the condition of three was said to be critical. CEO of Pakistan's Airlink firm Moazzam Paracha was among those killed in the blast.

“Mr Paracha was present at his under-construction restaurant (and) suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital where he died," Younis said.

“Bombay Chowpati (that serves Indian cuisine) and Alfarno Cafe restaurants were apparently the target of (the) terrorists. The device was planted in an under-construction building near Bombay Chowpati," a senior police officer said.

Lahore DIG Dr Haider Ashraf said, "Apparently an explosive material was planted in an under construction building in Z block market. We are also investigating the other aspects like that of gas leakage.”  No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. — PTI