Lahore: Two synchronised, remote-controlled bombs ripped through a market popular with women in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Mondayday, killing at least 36 people and igniting a massive fire, authorities said.
Another attack by a suicide bomber killed 10 in the northwestern city of Peshawar, part of a wave of terrorist strikes in Pakistan as the army presses an offensive against a Taliban stronghold in the northwest.
About 100 people were wounded in the attacks in Lahore, which were apparently timed to take place when the Moon Market was at its busiest. The bombs exploded within 30 seconds of each other, leaving dozens of cars and shops ablaze.
Women and children, including a two-year-old were among those killed, a police officer said. Many of the injured were removed to Shaikh Zayed Hospital, which is nearest to the site of the attacks.
Firefighters battled the blaze and rescue workers struggled in the darkness that enveloped the area as power to the market was cut off as a result of the explosions.
The blasts came hours after a suicide bomber killed 10 people outside a courthouse in Peshawar.
Terrorists have carried out scores of bombings in Pakistan in recent weeks. The Taliban generally claim responsibility for those killing security officers, but do not admit to carrying out attacks targeting civilians.
Moon Market sells clothes and shoes and is popular with women.
Lahore's top government official, Khusro Parvez, said there were more than 36 dead. "I have a fear that the toll might rise," Parvez told Gulf News.
- With inputs from AP
