Shehbaz directs to expedite combing operations in Punjab

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed concerned authorities to expedite combing operations in Punjab, after two separate terrorist attacks left over 20 people dead this month.

The Punjab CM presided over a high-level meeting in Lahore on Thursday. The forum took detailed review of measures taken to ensure safety of life and property of people.

Earlier in the day, a blast in the Lahore's Defence Housing Authority claimed at least eight lives while 30 people were injured.

Panic gripped the area a little before noon on Thursday when a loud explosion resonated across Z-Block of DHA; the locality has a famous shopping centre with several restaurants.

The blast took place inside an under-construction building with its nature still to be determined.

Officials, at the meeting, presented initial report of the DHA Lahore blast, which claimed eight lives and wounded 30 others.

The chief minister directed officials to investigate the blast from all angles and submit a comprehensive report on it. He urged them to take any measure considered necessary for the safety of people.

CM Shehbaz directed to make foolproof security arrangements all over Punjab and to expedite combing operations. He instructed concerned authorities to provide best medical facilities to the wounded of Thursday's blast.

On February 13, at least 14 people, including senior police officers, were martyred when a suicide bomber detonated himself near Lahore's Charing Cross, where hundreds of demonstrators had gathered for a protest.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Rana Sanaullah, Colonel (retd) Sardar Muhammad Ayub, Jahangir Khanzada, the chief secretary, IG Police, secretary interior and other high-ups.