DHAKA: An intense explosion has taken place in Pakistan’s Punjab provincial home minister Colonel (retd) Shuja Khanzada’s political office leaving seven people dead, police have confirmed.

The impact of the blast caused a roof collapse of the building and shattered windows in nearby houses, reports dawn.com.

Home Minister Shuja Khanzada has been critically injured in the attack, media reports citing hospital sources said.

An estimated 20 to 25 people have been buried under rubble as the entire structure has been destroyed. A number of the dead have been pulled out from the building.

The Punjab home minister’s staff have confirmed that Khanzada was in the office at the time of the blast, and has been injured. The Punjab home minister’s son Sohrab Khanzada also told Geo News that Khanzada was buried under the rubble.

The nature of the blast is not yet known, though some witnesses have claimed that a suicide bomber carried out the attack. This has not been independently confirmed by Dawn.

Shuja Khanzada was given charge of the home department in October 2014 and has been actively involved in major operations against terror outfits.

The provincial department he heads is responsible for the maintenance of law and order, and protection of life and property of citizens. He has previously held positions as provincial minister Punjab and advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab.

Rescue operations are underway at the scene of the attack. A helicopter has been called in to speed up rescue efforts.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the terrorist attack.

BDST: 1421 HRS, AUG 16, 2015
RR