LAYYAH, Feb 20: Over five dozen injured of the Dera Ismael Khan suicide bombing were brought to the Bhakkar DHQ Hospital. Of them nine were referred to Nishtar Hospital, Multan, and three to PIMS, Islamabad, for their critical condition.

Talking to Dawn, Bhakkar EDO Health Dr Mumtaz Husain said an emergency had been declared in the DHQ Hospital. A police contingent was also guarding the hospital.

Bhakkar DPO Mr Husain said security in the district had been beefed up.