A bomb exploded outside the Punjab Assembly at Mall Road in Lahore on Monday evening, killing at least ten people, Dawn reported. As many as 30 people have also been injured. The injured have been moved to Mayo Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital.

A number of pharmacists were protesting at Mall Road in front of the Assembly on Monday, because of which there was a large crowd present at the spot at the time of the blast. A vehicle in the vicinity exploded while the protest was underway. A stampede followed the blast at the scene, The Express Tribune reported.

The deputy inspector general traffic, Lahore, who was present at the spot negotiating with the protestors to end the strike, was killed in the attack, Dawn added. Several other police officers are also feared dead.

Ambulances and fire tenders were brought in immediately after the incident. Police have cordoned off the area. Army personnel reached the site and an emergency has been declared in all hospitals.

A notification by the the provincial police officer and director general, Pakistan Rangers Punjab, and National Counterterrorism Authority issued on February 7 to the Home Secretary, Punjab, had warned of a possible terrorist attack in Lahore.