Dozens Killed in Lahore Suicide Attack; 'Most Victims are Women and Children'

The number of fatalities from the suicide attack in Lahore, eastern Pakistan, on Sunday, April 8, has surpassed 60, with rescue and police sources in Pakistan stating that most of the victims are women and children. According to a Reuters report, this suicide attack occurred in a parking lot adjacent to Iqbal Park, near one of the park's exits, and the explosion site was only a few steps away from a children's playground. The Associated Press, citing Zaeem Qadri, spokesperson for the Punjab provincial government, reported the death toll at 65 with over 300 injured. Reuters also quoted Mustansar Firoz, head of police in the area, stating that most of the dead and injured are women and children. No group has claimed responsibility for this suicide attack yet. However, the Associated Press reported that Haider Ashraf, a senior police official, indicated that the explosion appears to be suicide-related, but further investigations are ongoing. This police official also mentioned that due to the Easter holidays, this area was frequented by many Christian citizens of Lahore. Lahore has a population of between 8 to 10 million, with approximately six percent of its population being Christians. This city, which is the capital of Punjab province, is the main center of political activities for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan. According to CNN, Nawaz Sharif condemned the explosion in his first response and expressed condolences to the victims. Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, also declared three days of public mourning in the province and promised that the perpetrators of this explosion would be brought to justice.