In Pakistan, a powerful suicide blast near residence-cum-office of Punjab province Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore today killed 26 people, including policemen, and wounded more than 50 others.<br/><br/> Police and Lahore Development Authority officials were busy in removing encroachments outside the Arfa Karim Tower, located near the CM's Model Town residence, when a powerful blast took place. <br/><br/>The Chief Minister, who is also the brother of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was in a meeting at his Model Town office when the blast occurred. <br/><br/>Rescue teams shifted the injured to hospital. Emergency was declared in city hospitals. <br/><br/>The condition of several injured is stated to be critical. Lahore Police Chief Capt (R) Amin Wains confirmed that it was a suicide blast and the target was police.<br/><br/>Citing police sources, the Geo News reported that a suicide attacker targeted police personnel deployed at the site. The area has been cordoned off by a heavy contingent of security forces and the section of the road has been sealed. <br/><br/>No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.<br/><br/>President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.

In Pakistan, a powerful suicide blast near residence-cum-office of Punjab province Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore today killed 26 people, including policemen, and wounded more than 50 others.<br/><br/> Police and Lahore Development Authority officials were busy in removing encroachments outside the Arfa Karim Tower, located near the CM's Model Town residence, when a powerful blast took place. <br/><br/>The Chief Minister, who is also the brother of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was in a meeting at his Model Town office when the blast occurred. <br/><br/>Rescue teams shifted the injured to hospital. Emergency was declared in city hospitals. <br/><br/>The condition of several injured is stated to be critical. Lahore Police Chief Capt (R) Amin Wains confirmed that it was a suicide blast and the target was police.<br/><br/>Citing police sources, the Geo News reported that a suicide attacker targeted police personnel deployed at the site. The area has been cordoned off by a heavy contingent of security forces and the section of the road has been sealed. <br/><br/>No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.<br/><br/>President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.