DHAKA: At least 45 people have been killed after an explosion near the Wagah border, DawnNews reported.

Nearly 70 people have also reportedly been injured in the explosion.

‘We received 35 bodies including those of women and children and 60 to 70 were wounded,’ deputy medical superintendent of Ghurki Hospital near the Wagah border crossing, identified only as Dr Khurram, told domestic television channels.

The IG Punjab said the initial assessment of the blast is that it was the result of a suicide attack.

Punjab police chief Mushtaq Sukhera told the media that the bomb exploded outside a restaurant near a paramilitary soldiers’ checkpoint at Wagah border on the outskirts of Lahore city.

Journalists have been instructed to clear the area, which the Rangers have cordoned off for security reasons.

Footage shows shops and nearby buildings destroyed at the site of the blast.

Security and rescue personnel have rushed to the site of the blast. The injured have been rushed to hospital.

Emergency has been declared at all hospitals in Lahore. Prime Nawaz Sharif has taken notice of the explosion and called for a report on the incident.

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

BDST: 2103 HRS, NOV 02, 2014