LAHORE, Pakistan: At least 15 persons including a child and two policemen were killed while more than 70 others sustained injuries in blasts near two churches in Youhanabad area of Lahore on Sunday.
The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group Jamatul Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack.
In a statement, the TTP Jamatul Ahrar group spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan said that the militant outfit takes responsibility for twin blasts in Lahore.
The reports said that two suicide bombers reached the gates of Roman Catholic Church and Christ Church in Lahore’s Youhanabad area at a time when Sunday church ceremonies were underway there.
They attempted to enter the churches but were stopped at the gates. In the meantime, they blew themselves up.
The rescue teams and security officials reached the site and began shifting the dead and injured person to Lahore General Hospital.
On the other hand, the angry mob held two suspects from the area and beaten them to death. Later, their bodies were burnt on Ferozepur Road in Lahore.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned Youhanabad bomb blasts in strongest words and sought report from the concerned.
In his statement, the prime minister directed the provincial governments to ensure the security of public and their properties. He asked the provincial governments to beef up security in cities.
Nawaz Sharif also directed the Punjab government to provide best medical treatment to the injured of Youhanabad blasts.
