Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Series of blasts kill 18 in Pakistan: official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Sept 2, IRNA -- Series of three blasts Wednesady targeting Shi'a Muslims in Pakistani city of Lahore killed at least 18 people and injured many more, a senior official said.

The procession was taken out in commemoration of the first Imam of Shi'a, Hazrat Ali (P) when came at the Bhati gate area of Lahore.

District Coordination Officer Sajjad Bhutta said that over 100 people were injured in the attacks. Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that 20 injured are in critical condition and the death toll may rise. He appealed to the religious leaders to remain calm and frustrate designs of those who want to create rift among the people.

Rescue sources said that 150 people were injured who were shifted to several hospitals in Lahore, the capital of Punjab.

The government called paramilitary rangers to restore peace as angry people attacked a police station and burnt police vehicles.

Commissioner Lahore Khisro Pervez said that one of the three blasts was suicide attack. But witnesses said that two were suicide blasts.

The Commissioner said that the bomber struck the procession as it was to end. He said police found head of the bomber.

Banned Sunni extremist group “Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al-Alami” claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani condemned the attacks and said that those elements playing with the lives of innocent people would not escape the law of the land.

The Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to investigate into the sad incident. He also directed the hospital administration for provision of best medical facilities to the injured.

The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.

A large number of people rushed to hospitals to donate blood to the injured.