LAHORE, FEB 13, (DNA) – National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) had already warned the provincial authorities of possible terrorist attack in Lahore.

According to a notice sent to Home Secretary Punjab, Provincial Police Officer and DG Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) on February 7, NACTA had directed to put the vital installations including important buildings, hospitals and schools under strict vigilance.

“Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident,” it said.

Today, a powerful bomb went off outside Punjab Assembly in Lahore, killing several people, including senior police officials, and leaving scores of others injured.

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

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

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. A DSNG of Aaj TV was badly damaged following the blast, injuring their cameraman and driver.=DNA

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