Islamabad: Five people have been killed due to a gas cylinder explosion in Sector G-7-2, Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the explosion affected several houses and 15 people have been evacuated so far. The injured were immediately shifted to the hospital. Police and rescue teams are continuing the rescue operation and the area has been cordoned off.

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of five people in the gas cylinder explosion in Islamabad. In a statement today, he extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of the injured. The President directed the relevant regulators to ensure strict implementation of safety regulations related to the manufacturing, quality, and use of gas cylinders. He also instructed the provincial governments and the Islamabad administration to launch public awareness campaigns regarding the safe use of gas cylinders to prevent such incidents.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the cylinder blast in Islamabad. In a statement, he prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the Health Minister and officials concerned to remain alert and provide all possible medical assistance to the injured. The Prime Minister directed to ensure provision of best medical facilities to the injured till their recovery. He also directed the Interior Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and instructed the Islamabad administration to educate citizens about safety measures regarding the use of gas cylinders.