PM denounces Lahore blast, reaffirms resolve against terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the Lahore blast reaffirming that such cowardly attacks cannot shake the nation's resolve against terrorism.

At least 14 people, including senior police officers, were martyred on Monday when a suspected suicide bomber hit close to the Punjab Assembly in Lahore, when hundreds of demonstrators had gathered for a protest.

The powerful explosion also left dozens injured, with reports of more than 60 wounded being treated at different hospitals in the eastern city of Lahore.

The prime minister, in a statement issued from PM House, directed provincial authorities to reach the site of bombing and expedite relief activities. He directed concerned officials to provide all-possible assistance and best medical treatment to wounded of the attack.

The incident occurred as hundreds of chemists protested a new law near the Punjab provincial assembly building, Rana Sanaullah, the provincial law minister confirmed.

Chemists and owners of medical stores in Punjab had announced a demonstration at Charing Cross on Lahore's Mall Road to protest the drug rules of the provincial government.

The powerful explosion hit when hundreds of protestors were present at the location.