Twin blasts hit east Pakistan's Lahore, 39 killed
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At least 39 persons, including 11 soldiers, were killed in two suicide attacks in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday, senior police officer said.
Punjab Police chief said 39 persons were killed and 95 were injured in twin blasts at R A Bazaar in Lahore cantonment, a residential and commercial neighborhood where several army and security agencies have facilities.
Eleven security men were also killed in attacks, Inspector General Police of Punjab said.
Police source said that a sucide bomber exploded himself near a mosque and a suicide motorcyclist hit a Garrison force vehicle near a bus stand in the army area.
The blasts were so powerful that windows of nearby buildings were smashed, residents told Xinhua.
They said that shots were heard after the first blast and then another blast occurred. Several passersby were hit by bullets.
Rescue workers and paramedics rushed to the blast site which is a densely populated area of the city. The area was crowded as the blasts occurred shortly before the main Friday prayers were to start.
Emergency declared in all hospitals in Lahore. Some women and children and five army personals are among injured, witnesses said.
Security have been tightened in the city and the roads leading to the cantonment areas have been closed. Soldiers cordoned off the blast area and diverted the traffic to other road.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have condemned the bomb attack in Lahore.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
This is the second time in a week that Lahore came under terrorist attack. On March 8, more than 16 people were killed when a 600kg explosive loaded vehicle was rammed into the building of an Investigation Agency.
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