The blast occurred close to a police check post set up near a religious gathering in Raiwind.

Raiwind is located close to Lahore city.

The blast claimed nine lives. The deceased included five policemen.

According to reports, at least 25 people were wounded.

They are currently undergoing treatment in different hospitals, reports said.

According to Dawn News, the suicide bomber blew himself up at the Nisar Police check-post near the Tableeghi Markaz after a cop tried to stop him from entering the venue where a bi-annual congregation was under way.

“It was at around 9:20pm when a teenage boy approached the police personnel. When a policeman tried to stop him, he blew himself up injuring all of the 12 police personnel present there,” DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf told Dawn, adding that five of those cops, including two sub-inspectors, later succumbed to their injuries.

TTP claims responsibility for blast near Tableeghi Markaz congregation, Dawn News reported.

A motorcycle, which was located close to the site of the mishap, has been destroyed.

Chief Minister of Punjab Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the incident.

He tweeted: "Brave police officials lay down their lives in the line of duty. The nation is proud of sacrifices that the Punjab police, security officials & our citizens have rendered in the war on terrorism. Prayers for the departed souls & bereaved families who lost their loved ones!"

The official Twitter page of the Government of Punjab said: "Chief Minister Punjab has expressed grief and and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the Raiwind blast. The Chief Minister has extended condolences to the bereaved families."