Site of the explosion which martyred 26 people, including 9 policemen, in Lahore 

LAHORE: The city woke up in mourning a day after a suicide blast claimed 26 lives and injured at least 57 in Ferozepur area late Monday afternoon, in a renewed wave of terror targeting policemen across the country.

Speaking to Geo News, DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf confirmed nine policemen were among the martyred when a suicide bomber, on a motorcycle, rammed into a crowd of people gathered in the area.

The site of the tragedy was cordoned off by a heavy contingent of security forces in the aftermath of the attack, and the section of the road leading towards Lahore was sealed. Forensic experts continue to gather evidence from the scene, while police has been patrolling the area as the city remains on high alert. Security officials have also placed blockades in various places surrounding the site; however, the Ferozepur road has now been opened to traffic.

At least 26 people, including 9 policemen martyred in Lahore attack

Provincial government confirms that 58 people were injured in the explosion

Funeral prayers of the martyred policemen have been offered, and the bodies of the deceased have been sent to their heirs.

A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and 302, 324, 148/149, 4/5 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code against four people, including the suicide bomber.

Authorities are utilising the CCTV camera footages of the blast in efforts to identify the suicide bomber.

CM Punjab visits the injured

Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif visited the injured under treatment at Lahore's Ittefaq Hospital and offered his condolences to the distraught families of the victims.

The minister expressed solidarity with the victims and directed the medical staff to ensure best treatment for the injured. 

CM Punjab Shehbaz Sharif visiting the injured of the blast

In a series of tweets following the blast, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the tragedy and vowed not to give in to the terrorists? heinous plots.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the blast and directed authorities to provide all possible medical assistance to the wounded.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also condemned the blast and directed the Army to provide immediate relief and rescue.

Ferozepur road links Lahore to Kasur and is a busy thoroughfare. Lahore's Metro Bus also passes through this route.

Earlier in April, six people were martyred and 15 others wounded when a suicide bomber targeted a population census team in Lahore's Bedian Road.

In February, a suicide bomber martyred 14 people, including senior police officers, when a suicide bomber hit close to the Punjab Assembly in Lahore when hundreds of demonstrators had gathered for a protest.