At least two people were injured in a blast near a mosque in Rahim Yar Khan's Shafi Town area on Friday.

Rescue officials quoted by DawnNews claimed there were two attackers, a man and a burqa-clad individual. The burqa-clad attacker allegedly blew themselves up while the other fled, according to rescue officials.

Local police sources told Dawn the burqa-clad attacker was a man who succumbed to his injuries after attempting to carry out a suicide attack.

Deputy Superintendent Police Chaudhry Ashraf also said the explosion was a suicide attack. He said two people were injured in the attack.

Local police sources claimed two Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials were targeted by the attackers as they come out of the mosque after Friday prayers. The mosque is situated close to a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) office.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah while speaking to DawnNews said it was a suicide attack targeting CTD and police officials "but thankfully there was no loss."

"Some people were injured. We are still receiving details about the attack."

"The CTD is conducting operations all over Punjab. Threats do exist. This has happened before, when a CTD officer was targeted. CTD officers are aware of the threat alert," Sanaullah said.

The law minister added that officials have not been been able to verify the number of attackers and the nature of the attack as yet.

The wounded were shifted to Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital and rescue officials quoted by DawnNews said the two were in stable condition.

Rescue officials reached the site of the blast and police cordoned off the area, eyewitnesses told Dawn. A search operation was launched in the aftermath of the attack.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...