Several people are reported to have been injured as police took on gunmen after they attacked the religious centres.

Gunfire and explosions at the scene could be heard in live footage on Pakistani television.

Lahore has been the scene of a string of brazen militant attacks.

At least 45 people were killed in March when two suicide bombers attacked a crowded residential area of the city.

Sectarian attacks have been carried out by various militant groups in Punjab, and across Pakistan in the past.

In Pakistan the Ahmadis have been declared a non-Muslim minority and have been subject to a number of restrictions.