An explosion has been reported in the commercial area within Defence Y Block in Lahore, local media said on Thursday.
At least seven people have been killed and 15 others injured, rescue sources said.
The area where the blast has been reported is a busy locality with several commercial offices and eateries. Footage shows nearby offices including HBL, Toni and Guy, Gloria Jeans, Bombay Chowpatty, Jalalsons among others.
Residents and nearby shoppers panicked as the explosion was heard, and eyewitnesses described people evacuating buildings and running far away from the commercial area.
The nature of the blast could not be immediately verified, but the Punjab Government on its official Twitter page claimed the explosion was caused by a generator blast.
Rescue officials have reached the site, it said.According to media reports, the explosion occurred inside a restaurant and has caused considerable damage to nearby buildings.
TV footage shows shattered windscreens in cars parked nearby as well as rubble from the damaged building strewn across the road.
The market has been sealed by law enforcement personnel and a search operation is ongoing. Teams from Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory have reached the spot to collect evidence.
Parents have been told to take their children back home as schools in the area have been asked to shut down for the day DawnNews reported.
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