LAHORE: The death toll from Wednesday’s suicide blast outside the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore rose to 11, as another police official succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
Policeman Saddam Hussain, a resident of Kasur, passed away due to injuries sustained in the blast, an official from Mayo Hospital’s emergency ward said, bringing the toll from the latest terrorist attack to 11.
The funeral prayers for three of a family – who lost their lives in a suicide attack outside Data Darbar were offered in their hometown.
Rafiq Ahmed, his son Ahmed Rafiq and cousin Mushtaq were laid to rest in Multan’s Jhanday Wala area – their hometown.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), City Police Officer (CPO), Punjab Energy Minister, representatives of district administration and locals in large numbers offered the funeral prayers as the whole area was gripped with grief.
The victims’ family and locals demanded the government take strict action against the militants involved in the assault.
Meanwhile, around 26 others were being treated for their injuries, two of whom were in critical condition, the official added.
Ten other people were martyred in the blast, which targetted a police van stationed outside the entrance of Data Darbar. The casualties included three police constables, a security guard and civilians.
The martyred police officers were identified as Head Constable Shahid Nazir, Head Constable Muhammad Sohail, and Constable Muhammad Saleem.
According to Shahbaz Gill, spokesperson for chief minister of Punjab, the suicide bomber was a 15-year-old boy who blew himself up near the Elite Force police van stationed outside the 11th century shrine.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Usman Buzdar on Thursday visited Mayo Hospital and met the victims of Data Darbar blast.
According to details, the CM informed the patients that inquiry into the explosion has been launched while the search for the terrorist group behind this attack has also been started.
