LAHORE: A high-intensity blast took place outside Police Lines in the Qila Gujar Sigh area of the city.
Rescue sources have stated that at least eight people were killed as a result of the blast.
The blast took place inside a vehicle parked outside a tea shop setting fire to 3-4 cars parked in the area. Motorcycles were also damaged while the windows of nearby buildings were shattered.
The intensity of the blast was so severe that it could be heard for miles away in the city.
“The blast was so severe that the ground shook and we ran towards the spot,” said a resident of a nearby area.
Police personnel have surrounded the blast site while snipers have also been deployed in the area. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) have arrived at the blast spot and are collecting evidence.
The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Dr Amjad Shehzad from Mayo Hospital said a red-alert had been declared following the blast.
The police chief of Lahore, Amin Wains told Geo News that the bomb was a suicide attack. Police have also increased security at the entry and exit points of the city.
There are a number of commercial plazas, schools, banks and offices as well as a residential area near the vicinity of the blast site.
The blast has been condemned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain.
This story is developing and will be updated accordingly.