3 Blasts hit Punjab Institute of Language in Lahore
LAHORE: 3 persons, including a child, were injured when a series of 3 blasts occurred with intervals at the building of Punjab Institute of Language (PIL) near Gaddafi Stadium Saturday night. According to reports, all three blasts were of low intensity while other sources say the blasts could have been triggered by time device. IG Punjab Shaukat Javed has said it is too early to tell who can be involved in these blasts.
The first two blasts happened inside the building which shattered the window panes of the cafeteria there while the third blast occurred at the gate of Punjab Institute of Language building later.
At the time of World Art and Cultur Festival was going on whereas A programme in PIL building in nearby Al-Hamra Cultural Complex. Unfortunately Cultural program was cancelled after the blasts ripped through the building. Hundreds of the foreign artists were there in this cultural festival that was organised under the banner of Rafi Peer Theater. All the artists were evacuated afterwords. Hundreds of people were present there at the time of blasts who came to see cultural performances.
People sitting in the cafeteria and nearby hotels panicked and rushed out to save their lives. Relief activities kicked started at the site of the blasts while fire brigades engaged in dousing the fire that these blasts caused.
Police has cordoned off the area and warned the people to stay away from the blast site as more such blasts could not be ruled out.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has condemned the incident. According to the organisers Rafi Peer theater they will not cancel the festival, festival will continue and will end at its due date on 23rd November. Usman Peerzada has said that it is an attempt to discourage cultural activities and artists in Pakistan. He said all Pakistan is welcome to come to attend this festival. He added that Police is commited to stand by us and management of Lahore has not surrendered.
Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the investigation as soon as possible.
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