Lahore battles to pick up the pieces after deadly blast

Lahore: Three days after the suicide bombing that ripped a hole through the commercial heart of Lahore, the city is battling to recover.

The wreck of the police building that was targeted stares out forlornly. The road in front of it remains closed to traffic. People stare out at the aftermath of an attack that killed 27 and left over 300 injured.

The reality is that many believe the terrorists could, indeed probably will, strike again. They have already done so in Peshawar and Dera Esmail Khan. The question people ask is what a city like Lahore can do to prepare and to save itself.

"The reality is that when suicide bombers strike it is almost impossible to stop them," said Farhat Ali, a banker.

There is widespread agreement on this point, from security experts as well as ordinary people. However, on other issues there is anger.

In the immediate aftermath of the bombing, as gunmen opened fire in a move intended to maximise panic and casualties, people saw personnel from the Elite Force, a premier police unit, fleeing. The 'No Fear' slogan inscribed on their black T-shirts obviously was not enough to instil courage, or the professionalism needed to tackle and apprehend the gunmen who later vanished into the crowds.

"It was pathetic to see the police cowering instead of taking any action,' said Parveen Kauser.

The mother of two happened to be in the area where her children's school is also located, and rushed to collect them after the blast.

"Now my elder son, who is nine years, is too terrified to go back to school," she said.

Several animals at the nearby Lahore Zoo, including a hog deer, died of shock as the blast rang through the area.

Schools said pupils fainted due to fear as staff attempted to prevent stampedes created by hundreds racing out of classrooms.

The question people ask is what can be done to be better prepared in the future.

For several months, there has been talk of setting up a special, highly trained force to deal with terrorism.

The need for such an outfit was highlighted by the fact that following attacks that continue for many minutes, police have failed to capture those involved in the shooting incidents.

This was seen after the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team early this year, and again several times after other incidents.

This time, ethnic Pathan and Afghans present in the area were rounded up, although there was no concrete evidence to back suspicions of their involvement in the deadly blasts.

Trauma care at hospitals and better rescue services are also being called for.

"We need expert care for victims at hospitals. This on its own could save lives," said Dr Ayaz Khan, who was slightly injured in the blast.

There is now talk of stepped up security in cities. However, many ask if this can prevent new attacks, at a time when the battle being fought in Pakistan's northern areas has also moved into its cities.