(last update: 12:31pm EST)
Via The Peninsula:
A suicide bomber killed at least 38 people outside a public park in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Sunday, rescue officials and police said, striking at the heart of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s political heartland of Punjab.
The blast occurred in the parking area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, just outside the exit gate and a few feet (metres) away from children’s swings.
“At least 38 people were killed and more than 100 are injured,” Mustansar Feroz, superintedent of police for the area told Reuters. “Most of the dead and injured are women and children.”
Rescue officials said more than 30 dead bodies had been taken to hospitals around the city.
Via The BBC:
Police told the BBC it appeared to be a suicide bomb. No group has said it was behind the blast.
There is speculation that Christian families out for the Easter weekend may have been the target.
All the major hospitals in the area have been put on an emergency footing to deal with casualties, local media report.
UPDATE – Muslims Celebrate Attack
UPDATE – Park Was Holding Easter Celebrations
UPDATE – Death Toll Now Over 50
UPDATE – Attack Targeted Women And Children
