Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Two suicide attacks kill 30 in Pakistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Sept 2, IRNA -- Two suicide bombers Wednesady while targeting Shi'a Muslims in Pakistani city of Lahore killed at least 30 people and injured many more, a senior official said.

The processions were taken out in commemoration of the first Imam of Shiites, Hazrat Ali (AS) when came under attacks at the Bhati gate and Karbala Gamey Shah areas of Lahore, the capital of Punjab.

District Police Officer Aslam Tarin said that attacks were carried out when the processions were scheduled to end at their destinations.

There had been a minor blast before the two deadliest attacks.

Rescue sources said that 150 people were injured who were shifted to several hospitals in Lahore. A large number of people rushed to hospitals to donate blood to the injured.

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

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 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.

The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the two suicide attacks on processions of Shiite Muslims.

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