TAXILA: Bomb disposal squad (BDS) of Police took three hours to reach Taxila from Rawalpindi to defuse a bomb planted at main Taxila Chowk on G.T. Road.

Local shopkeepers spotted an unclaimed black bag at the wagon stand on the chowk at 5pm and they informed the Rescue 15 and local police and vacated the area immediately.

The news sent a wave of fear and panic among the shopkeepers, public transporters and push cart venders.

Local Police and warden staffcordoned offthe area.

Sub divisional police officer, Saleem Khattak,Assistant Commissioner Shahid Imran, Tehsil Municipal Officer Qammar Zeshan rushed to the spot and started clearing the area of vehicles and public.

Local heads of law enforcement agencies, sensitive agencies and military from nearby Wah garrisons also reached to monitor the situation.

Fire tenders as well as ambulances were also put on a standby.

The bomb disposal squad reached at 8pm which defused the bomb.

Later, briefing mediamen at Taxila police station, Potohar Division SP Attique Tahir said an empty shell of mortar bomb was used to malce the device which carried 200 gram explosives.