45 killed, 70 injured in blast near Wagah Border in Lahore, BSF on high alert

Islamabad: At least 45 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 70 others injured in an apparent suicide attack in Pakistan near the Indo-Pak border at Wagah on Sunday.

At least 45 people have been killed while nearly 70 people have also reportedly been injured in the explosion, Dawn reported. Emergency has been declared at all hospitals in Lahore.

The explosion occurred in the parking area of the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, as the flag lowering-ceremony ended.

Punjab police said that explosion may be the result of a suicide attack. Journalists have been instructed to clear the area, which the Rangers have cordoned off.

TV footage showed shops and nearby buildings destroyed at the site of the blast. Security and rescue personnel have rushed to the site of the blast while the injured have been taken to hospital.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has however, put the BSF on high alert. "We have put our troopers on high alert along the entire border following the Wagah incident. We are trying to get details," a BSF official said.

Wagah is the only road border crossing between Amritsar and the Pakistani city of Lahore.