LAHORE: At least ten persons have been killed, while 23 others injured in an explosion took place in Y Block Defence commercial market area in Lahore.

A time bomb device planted in under construction building parking located Y-Block Defence, exploded, leaving ten persons dead, while 23 others injured.

The bodies and injured were rushed to General Hospital Lahore for medico-legal formalities and treatment. Meanwhile, the death toll is expected to rise.

The contingents of Pakistan Army, Quick Response Force, Police and Rangers reached the scene, started relief activities and shifted the bodies and injured persons to nearby hospitals including general hospital. The personnel have started gathering evidence. The Security Forces, police, Rangers along with other law enforcing agencies have also started search operation in the area. The Bomb Disposal Squad personnel also reached the area to check t the whole area.

An emergency has been declared in General Hospital Lahore.

According to Bomb disposal Squad sources, Around 20 to 25 kilograms of explosives were used in the blast, hence, the four cars, 12 motorcycles and windows of surrounding buildings were damaged. The remote control time device was used in explosion.

All the nearby areas have also been evacuated, while students studying in schools have also been sent home early.

Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sana-ullah while talking to media said that the blast took place in an under construction building located in commercial market of Defence phase 4.

The investigators have also started gathering evidence and started investigation. CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has condemned the blast and ordered for investigation, while he also summoned a detail report from Inspector General of Punjab Police.

Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan People Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardar, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan along with other political leaders have condemned the blast and expressed sorrow

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar while condemning the attack sought an immediate report of the incident.