CD shops targeted in Lahore

LAHORE:

Multiple low intensity blasts have been heard in on Hall Road in Lahore.

Two low intensity blasts occurred at Zaitoon Plaza and Yasir street on Saturday evening. The blasts created panic in the area as traders shut down their shops and the electricity went out.

Some traders reported that they had been receiving threatening calls and mails ordering them to shut down their CD shops.

Around five people were injured as a result of the blasts and were shifted to MEO Hospital for treatment.

End of live updates

Authorities are trying to clear the area in order to continue with a search operation.

7:45pm

This is the first time CD shops have come under attack in Lahore, however such acts have been seen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the past.

7:40pm

Five people have been injured as a result of the blasts. Injured shifted to MEO Hospital .

7:35pm

Traders received threatening calls and had informed trader leaders and police. Traders have received threatening emails before, emphasizing on shutting down of CD shops.

Police have cordoned off the area.

Bomb disposal squad is at the site, but understaffed.

Traders have closed shutters,  but not willing to vacate premises.

Four people have been injured.

7:30pm

According to DG Rescue Rizwan Naseer most of the shops are CD shops and the blasts were an attempt to create panic. Two people have been injured.

According to the President of Traders Association the police have cordoned off the area.

Four people are being reported to be injured.

Some traders say they received threatening phone calls from terrorists.

7:25pm

Eye witness Kashif said that he was taking his bike out when the explosion took place in an alleyway. He saw two to three injured boys coming out of the alley.  He says the blast occured near Rafique Plaza.

7:20pm

All shops in the area are being closed down.

Two shoppers are believed to have sustained minor injuries.

It has been confirmed that the blasts were cracker blasts.

Security forces have reached the area and a search operation is underway.

7:15pm

Rescue 1122 is at the site.

A second explosion has also been reported.

Similar low intensity blasts had also occurred  in Garhi Shahu and the Alhamra halls in the recent past.

7:10pm

No casualties have been reported.