LAHORE (DNA) -At least 10 people were killed and as many as 30 were injured when a suicide bomber exploded outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore during a protest in the area on Monday, said police officials.

SSP Zahid Gondal of Punjab Police and DIG Traffic Lahore Capt (retd) Ahmad Mobin were killed in the attack.

Hours earlier, DIG Traffic had been seen on television mediating with protesters who had gathered at the site.

Mobin was negotiating with protesters to end the strike and clear the area.

A large group of chemists and pharmaceutical manufacturers had been protesting in front of the assembly when a nearby vehicle exploded. There was a significant presence of law enforcers in the area due to the protest.

Rescue services, including ambulances and fire tenders reached the spot of the incident and the injured were shifted to Mayo Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital.

Contingents of Pakistan Army and Rangers have also reached the site and an emergency has been declared in all hospitals of Lahore.

Security forces cordoned off the area with tents, and the inner cordon was taken over by Pak Army personnel.

Terror alert

In a notification issued on February 7 to the Home Secretary, Punjab, the Provincial Police Officer and DG Pak Rangers Punjab, the National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA) had warned of a possible terrorist attack in Lahore.

NACTA had directed that all vital installations, including important buildings, hospitals and schools, be kept under strict vigilance.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that maximum preparations were made after the threat alert was received.

“The spot where the blast took place is always under threat. Even if there was no alert, strict security measures are always taken in the area.”

“Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident,” the notification added.