LAHORE: Senior police officers were among 16 people killed today when a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up targeting them during a protest rally outside Pakistan’s Punjab assembly here that also wounded 60 others.
Lahore Traffic Police chief capt (R) Ahmed Mobeen and Senior Superintendent Police Zahid Gondal were among five police personnel killed in the blast, police officials said.
Lahore police chief Amin Wains confirmed the death of Mobeen. He, however, did not confirm about other casualties. “I can confirm the death of Mr Mobeen at the moment,” he said.
At least 16 people were killed in the powerful blast that ripped through the protest rally, officials said.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique confirmed the death of 10 people and said more than 60 people suffered injuries in the blast. The condition of some 11 injured is stated to be critical, the minister said.
The Jamat-ul-Ahrar faction of the outlawed Tehreek-i- Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack. (AGENCIES)
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