Death toll from Easter bombing in Pakistan reaches 70
LAHORE, Pakistan — The death toll from a massive suicide bombing targeting Christians gathered on Easter in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore rose to 70 on Monday, underscoring the ability of the militants to stage large-scale attacks despite a months-long military offensive targeting their hideouts.
Meanwhile, in the capital of Islamabad, extremists protested for a second day outside Pakistan’s Parliament and other key buildings in the city centre. The demonstrators set cars on fire, demanding that the authorities impose Islamic law or Sharia. The army, which was deployed Sunday to contain the rioters, remained out on the streets around the Parliament and key buildings on Monday.
The Lahore bombing, which was claimed by a breakaway Taliban faction that has publicly supported the Islamic State group, took place in a park that was crowded with families, with many women and children among the victims. At least 300 people were wounded in the bombing.
Also Monday, Pakistan started observing a three-day mourning period that was declared after the Lahore attack.