Pakistan PM vows to fight terror after 70 died in Lahore
LAHORE, Pakistan — Pakistan’s prime minister on Monday vowed to eliminate perpetrators of terror attacks such as the massive suicide bombing that targeted Christians gathered for Easter the previous day in the eastern city of Lahore, killing 70 people.
The attack underscored both the militants’ ability to stage large-scale attacks despite a months-long government offensive against them and the precarious position of Pakistan’s minority Christians. A breakaway Taliban faction, which publicly supports the Islamic State group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, in the capital of Islamabad, extremists protested for a second day outside Parliament and other key buildings in the city centre. The demonstrators set cars on fire, demanding that authorities impose Islamic law or Sharia. The army, which was deployed Sunday to contain the rioters, remained out on the streets.
The military reported raids in eastern Punjab province, where several deadly militant organizations are headquartered, and said dozens were arrested. Also Monday, Pakistan started observing a three-day mourning period declared after the Lahore attack.