ISLAMABAD, FEB 13, (DNA) – US Ambassador David Hale to Pakistan Monday condemned a terrorist attack outside Punjab Assembly in Lahore that killed at least 11 people.

“We condemn today’s cowardly attack in Lahore against peaceful protesters, press and police,” the US ambassador said in a statement issued by US Embassy.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims. We stand with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism,” he added.

Earlier, a powerful bomb went off near Punjab Assembly on Mall Road in Lahore, killing at least 11 people, including senior police officials, and leaving scores of others injured.

DIG Traffic Police Captain (retd.) Ahmed Mubeen and Acting DIG Operations Zahid Ikram Gondal have been killed in the attack. Among the injured are several policemen, women and media persons.

The death toll is feared to go up as some of those injured are in critical condition.

A sit-in was being staged by Punjab Medical Stores Association and Chemist and Druggist Association near Faisal Chowk, Mall Road when the blast occurred.

The two police officials were negotiating with protestors to end the sit-in and open the road for traffic.

Many vehicles parked near the blast site caught fire, triggering panic and chaos in the area.=DNA

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