At least eight persons were killed and 30 others injured on Thursday when a powerful bomb blast apparently targeted two eateries here, including one serving Indian cuisine, in the second bombing in the city this month as Pakistan witnesses a surge in terror attacks.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told reporters that eight people were killed and 30 others injured in the blast at the Z Block market of the Defence Housing Society (DHA). He said the condition of four injured was stated to be very critical and doctors were trying their best to save their lives.
“Bombay Chowpati and Alfarno Cafe restaurants were apparently the target of terrorists. The device was planted in an under-construction building near Bombay Chowpati,” a senior police officer said.
He said these restaurants were frequented by young couples.
Deputy Inspector General Lahore Police 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.”
Punjab police spokesman Niyab Haider, however, confirmed that it was a “planted device” that caused the explosion.
“It appears to be a planted device. However we are investigating from all aspects,” he said.
An eyewitness, Salman Iqbal, said he was busy in his work at his bank in Z block when the powerful blast took place.
“I was struck against my desk because of the impact of the blast sound and fell semi-unconscious. When I regained consciousness after a while, all my colleagues were saying there was a blast outside the bank,” he said.
