Lahore, Nov 3 (PTI) The death toll in the horrificsuicide attack that shook Pakistan minutes after the popular
flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah climbed to 61 today, even as
security agencies arrested about 20 suspects from the Indo-Pak
border area.
Ten women, eight children and three security personnel
were among the 61 people who have died in the attack that took
place yesterday when a suicide attacker detonated a powerful
bomb at Wagah.
Over 100 people were injured in the incident and are
being treated in different Lahore's hospitals where emergency
has been declared.
The blast took place when a large number of people were
returning after attending the flag lowering ceremony at the
main Indo-Pak land border crossing, which is heavily guarded
by the Punjab Rangers.
A young suicide-bomber blew himself up near the main exit
gate of Parade Avenue at 6.03 pm (local time), causing
colossal devastation.
"The death toll of the devastating suicide attack at
Wagah border has risen to 61. The condition of some injured is
still critical and the doctors are battling to save their
lives," Punjab Emergency Services Rescue spokesman Jam Sajjad
told PTI.
About 43 bodies have been handed over to the families
while the remaining are yet to be recognised, Sajjad said.
"We have sought the help of the National Registration
Database Authority (Nadra) for recognition of 18 bodies," he
said.
The law enforcement agencies have launched operation in
the residential areas in Wagah and taken about 20 suspects
into custody, Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider Naqvi said.
"A joint investigation team of police, rangers and
intelligence agencies have started its probe into the
incident. The army and rangers along with police will provide
security to Ashura processions in Lahore and they have been
put on high alert in the wake of Sunday's attack," he said.
Punjab Interior Minister Col (Retd) Shujah Khanzada said
the target of the suicide bomber was the venue of the flag
hoisting ceremony.
"The suicide-bomber wanted to reach the Parade Avenue to
cause maximum devastation but he blew himself up near the
entrance of the main gate after failing to reach the Parade
Avenue," he said.
At least three militant factions have claimed the grizzly
bombing. Al-Qaeda affiliated militant group Jundullah, a
splinter group of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was
first to claim responsibility of the attack.
Shortly afterwards Jamaat-ul-Ahrar said its bomber Hafiz
Hanifullah carried out the attack. Later, a lesser-known Mahar
Mehsud group also claimed responsibility for the bombing.
