At least 13 killed in Lahore suicide blast

KARACHI: At least thirteen including three police officials have been killed and more than 20 injured in a suicide blast in Lahore near Urdu Bazaar Aaj TV reported on Tuesday.

The suicide bomber blew himself up when police stopped him at a checkpoint.

Rescue efforts are underway and the injured have been shifted to the Mayo and Gangaram hospitals in Lahore.

Security was on high alert due to the Chehlum of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the third and last day of the 967th Urs of Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh today.

According to reports, the suicide bomber used an official vehicle to enter the area.

According to Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, the suicide bomber detonated himself when he was stopped at the first checkpost.

The bomber is reported to have been 15 years of age.

"We have found the head of the suicide bomber," said CCPO Lahore Aslam Tareen while talking to the media.

Meanwhile, at least two people died and several injured in a blast near Malir Halt in Karachi.

The blast occurred when the police stopped a motorcycle for routine checking. Bits and pieces of the motorcycle scattered over a wide area following the blast. Police has found the number plate of the motorcycle but did not disclose more than that.

Rescue operations are underway and the injured are being shifted to the hospital.

It was reported that the police mobile caught fire after the blast.

The bomb disposal squad and police have reached the area.