Blast in Lahore, at least 10 killed

Terror struck Lahore for the third time in two months when an explosives-laden vehicle apparently targetting the ISI headquarters went off in crowded Civil Lines area, killing at least 10 people and leaving nearly 150 injured.

Police officials said 10 people have been killed but the privately run rescue organisation Edhi Foundation put the death toll at 35.  An explosive-laden pick up truck, could not reach the ISI building and blew off at a barrier close to the complex. Reports said some suspects picked up in connection with the March 3 terror attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team here, were inside the ISI office when the blast took place.

The blast occured near the Mall Road in the Civil Lines area that houses several buildings including the city police headquarters.   The ISI building sustained some damage due to the impact of the explosion that occured before noon, witnesses said.      

Pakistani television channels showed images of two damaged buildings and several charred cars. There were also reports of sporadic firing in the vicinity. The channels said seven bodies have so far been recovered from the debris.      

A school in the area appears not to have been affected by the explosion. Eye-witnesses said children were safe and were being evacuated. Thick smoke was seen billowing into the sky soon after the explosion rocked the metropolis.Geo TV said window panes of several buildings near the blast site were shattered.