Pakistan: Suicide blast near Wagah border, 52 killed; al-Qaeda affiliate Jundallah claims attack

Lahore: Fifty two people including personnel of the Pakistan Rangers and a child have been killed in a suicide bombing near the Wagah border in Lahore. The al-Qaeda affiliated group Jandullah has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Express News.

Nearly 200 people have been injured in the blast and have been rushed to local hospitals.

The explosion occurred in the parking area of the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, as the flag lowering-ceremony ended.

The explosion occurred in the parking area of the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, as the flag lowering-ceremony ended.

Director General, Pakistan Rangers has said that the blast was the result of a suicide attack.

"This was a suicide attack. The suicide bomber wanted to penetrate inside the venue but he could not do so. Half an hour after the parade ended, the blast occurred outside the security zone. People going out of the venue at that time were hit. It is too early to say who caused the blast - we are investigating."

Earlier reports had said it could be a cylinder blast.

Inspector General, Punjab Police, Mushtaq Sukhera said "Our teams have confirmed that it was a suicide blast". The IG said that the suicide bomber was stopped at the gate of the parade ground at the border and detonated the bomb right when people gathered near the gate.

"Up to five kilogrammes of explosive material was used in the blast," Sukhera said.

"The bomb exploded outside a restaurant near a Pakistani paramilitary soldiers' checkpoint at Wagah border," he added.

Pakistani Rangers have cordoned off the blast site.

Imdad Husain, an eyewitness, told reporters that he was returning after watching the parade ceremony when he heard a bang near the Wagah border market.

"I fell unconscious. When I gained consciousness there had been complete darkness. Many injured and I cried for help lying on the road. After 15 minutes some rescue men came towards me and shifted me to the Ghurki Hospital, a border area health facility," he said.

Samina Bibi was also returning along with her husband and two young children when the blast took place. On the bed of the Ghurki Hospital she was crying and asking the doctors about her husband and children. "The doctors were comforting her saying they are alright," Imdad said.

Punjab Emergency Services Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad told PTI that 50 people had been killed so far and feared rise in the death toll.

"We have shifted about 200 injured in different hospitals of Lahore," he said. Quoting a senior doctor at Ghurki Hospital, he said the condition of over a dozen is critical.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the Lahore blast and ordered the authorities concerned to provide best medical facilities to the injured.

On the Indian side, Border Security Force Inspector General Ashok Kumar assured that there is no need to panic since the attack occurred on Pakistan side.

"Blast happened 500 metre inside from border on Pakistan's side. There is no problem on our side, our side is safe. We are trying to get in touch with Pakistan Rangers. We are alert, there is no need to panic", said Kumar.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has however, put the BSF on high alert.

TV footage showed shops and nearby buildings destroyed at the site of the blast. Security and rescue personnel have rushed to the site of the blast while the injured have been taken to hospital.

Emergency has been declared at all hospitals in Lahore. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for a report on the incident.

Wagah is the only road border crossing between Amritsar and the Pakistani city of Lahore.