At least 28 people were killed and over 132 injured in a bomb blast at a CNG station in the Civil Lines area, here on Tuesday. The blast also caused severe damage to dozens of cars and the building of the CNG station. According to reports, an explosive-laden car blew up at about 10:30am near a CNG station in front of the PIA cargo office near Regency Plaza Chowk.
Police arrested one suspect, Usman of Kabirwala, 24, who also received injuries in the blast. Abid Sher Ali, MNA and leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) disclosed that the 40kg explosive material was used in the blast at the CNG station, where more than two dozen vehicles including two rickshaws were parked.
Over 100 injured persons were shifted to DHQ Hospital and Allied Hospital. Spokesperson of Rescue 112 said that more casualties are expected. Talking to the media, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Aftab Cheema said that it was not a suicide attack. The blast set off gas cylinders at the station and the explosion severely damaged nearby buildings and numerous vehicles, he added. The leaders of business community have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of many precious lives.
Anjuman-e-Tajran Faisalabad has announced that a complete strike will be observed in industrial area on Wednesday (today). In separate press statements, Chaudhry Salamat Ali, Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) North Zone and other trade organisations have expressed their sympathies with the families of people killed and with those injured in the blast. They condemned terrorist activities and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
PIA Town Office Faisalabad was severely damaged by a bomb blast at a nearby location. Two PIA officials lost their lives whereas a number of other employees were injured, according to a PIA press release. Minister for Defence & Chairman PIA, Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Managing Director PIA, Nadeem Khan Yousufzai have condemned the bomb blast. They expressed their condolences on the sad demise of PIA Senior Accounts officer, Aneela Rasheed and Senior HR Assistant PIA Speedex, Ahmed Sher who lost their lives due to bomb blast.
Augmenting the rescue efforts by Rescue 1122 and local emergency services, PIA Management immediately started the relief efforts for the victims. The injured were shifted to DHQ and other hospitals in the city. PIA Emergency Response Centre (ERC) was immediately activated at Karachi to manage the situation and support the local staff.
A Team headed by Director Marketing PIA Imraan Ahmad Khan immediately rushed to Faisalabad. An Advance Field Team comprising members from Medical, Works, Marketing, IT, Welfare, Security and Food Service was dispatched from Lahore as well.
The PIA Office in Faisalabad has been severely damaged and become temporarily non-functional. Meanwhile, PIA has made alternative arrangements at Faisalabad airport for reservations, ticketing and other facilities provided to passengers. PIA Emergency Response Centre (ERC) will remain activated for the next 24 hours for information and assistance through phone numbers (021) 99044372 and 99044862.
PIA Management along with the entire PIA family expresses its condolences on the sad demise of PIA Officers. Special prayers will also be held at PIA Head Office and all PIA locations for the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of injured.
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