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2016 Lahore suicide bombing: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 31°30′59″N 74°17′25″E / 31.51625°N 74.29032°E / 31.51625; 74.29032
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{{Terrorist attacks in Pakistan}}
{{Terrorist attacks in Pakistan}}


On 27 March 2016, at least 72 people were killed and over 340 injured in a [[suicide bombing]] that hit the main entrance of [[Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park]], one of the largest parks in [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]].<ref name="tribune">{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1073825/blast-in-lahore-leaves-several-injured/ |title=Suicide blast kills at least 72 in Lahore park |date=27 March 2016 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref><ref name="bbc1"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/108378-Blast-at-Lahore-park-leaves-over-30-injured |title=72 killed, over 300 injured in Lahore suicide blast |work=The News |date=27 March 2016 |accessdate=27 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/27/asia/pakistan-lahore-deadly-blast/|title=Pakistan bombing: Taliban targets Christians, kills 69 - CNN.com|author=Sophia Saifi, CNN|date=27 March 2016|work=CNN}}</ref> The attack targeted [[Christianity in Pakistan|Christians]] who were celebrating [[Easter]].<ref>(March 27, 2017). [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35908512 Pakistan explosion leaves many dead at Lahore park.] ''BBC.'' Retrieved: March 30, 2016.</ref> Of the dead, 14 were identified as Christians and the rest as [[Islam in Pakistan|Muslims]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1074654/lahore-attack-anguished-families-bury-their-dead/|title=Lahore attack: Anguished Families Bury their Dead|date=29 March 2016|work=The Express Tribune|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> The majority of victims were women and children. [[Jamaat-ul-Ahrar]], a group affiliated with the [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan|Pakistani Taliban]], claimed responsibility for the attack.<ref name="aj1"/>
On 27 March 2016, at least 72 people were killed and over 340 injured in a [[suicide bombing]] that hit the main entrance of [[Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park]], one of the largest parks in [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]].<ref name="tribune">{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1073825/blast-in-lahore-leaves-several-injured/ |title=Suicide blast kills at least 72 in Lahore park |date=27 March 2016 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref><ref name="bbc1"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/108378-Blast-at-Lahore-park-leaves-over-30-injured |title=72 killed, over 300 injured in Lahore suicide blast |work=The News |date=27 March 2016 |accessdate=27 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/27/asia/pakistan-lahore-deadly-blast/|title=Pakistan bombing: Taliban targets Christians, kills 69 - CNN.com|author=Sophia Saifi, CNN|date=27 March 2016|work=CNN}}</ref> The attack targeted [[Christianity in Pakistan|Christians]] who were celebrating the [[Easter]] holiday.<ref>(March 27, 2017). [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35908512 Pakistan explosion leaves many dead at Lahore park.] ''BBC.'' Retrieved: March 30, 2016.</ref> Of the dead, 14 were identified as Christians and the rest as [[Islam in Pakistan|Muslims]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1074654/lahore-attack-anguished-families-bury-their-dead/|title=Lahore attack: Anguished Families Bury their Dead|date=29 March 2016|work=The Express Tribune|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> The majority of victims were women and children. [[Jamaat-ul-Ahrar]], a group affiliated with the [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan|Pakistani Taliban]], claimed responsibility for the attack.<ref name="aj1"/> The attack led a worldwide condemnation and [[national mourning]] throughout Pakistan. Pakistan also launched a widespread [[counter-terrorism]] operation in [[South Punjab]] arresting over 200 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35916578|title=Lahore attack: Pakistan 'detains 200' after Easter blast - BBC News|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
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Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]] held a meeting in response to the bombing. Pakistan’s army chief, General [[Raheel Sharif]], also convened an emergency meeting of the country’s intelligence agencies to begin to track down those responsible for the attacks. On Monday, Prime Minister Sharif directed law enforcement agencies to step up counter-terror operations against terrorists and their abettors in southern Punjab. The prime minister issued these orders to the LEA’s while chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House in Lahore to review the attack and overall strategy against terrorists. He later said his government goal was to "eliminate terror infrastructure" from Pakistan but also the extremist mind-set which was a threat to our way of life.<ref name="auto3">{{citeweb|title= Suicide blast kills at least 72 in Lahore park|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1073825/blast-in-lahore-leaves-several-injured/}}</ref>
Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]] held a meeting in response to the bombing. Pakistan’s army chief, General [[Raheel Sharif]], also convened an emergency meeting of the country’s intelligence agencies to begin to track down those responsible for the attacks. On Monday, Prime Minister Sharif directed law enforcement agencies to step up counter-terror operations against terrorists and their abettors in southern Punjab. The prime minister issued these orders to the LEA’s while chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House in Lahore to review the attack and overall strategy against terrorists. He later said his government goal was to "eliminate terror infrastructure" from Pakistan but also the extremist mind-set which was a threat to our way of life.<ref name="auto3">{{citeweb|title= Suicide blast kills at least 72 in Lahore park|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1073825/blast-in-lahore-leaves-several-injured/}}</ref>


On 28 March, in Punjab, several suspected terrorists were arrested alongside with firearms with full ammo recovered in different parts in Lahore, [[Faisalabad]], and [[Multan]]. Since the night of 27 March, the army had conducted a military operation for capturing the terrorists.<ref name="auto3"/> Al Jazeera noted that the bombing "underscored" both the "precarious position" of Pakistan's minorities and the fact that the fighters from armed groups "are still capable of staging wide-scale assaults despite the months-long military offensive targeting their hideouts and safe havens in remote tribal areas".<ref name="AJ-28-3-2016">{{cite news|title=Lahore bombing: Pakistan mourns as death toll rises|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/lahore-bombing-pakistan-mourns-death-toll-rises-160328091627212.html|accessdate=28 March 2016|agency=Al Jazeera|date=28 Mar 2016}}</ref>
On 28 March, in Punjab, several suspected terrorists were arrested alongside with firearms with full ammo recovered in different parts in Lahore, [[Faisalabad]], and [[Multan]]. Since the night of 27 March, the army had conducted a military operation for capturing the terrorists.<ref name="auto3"/> Al Jazeera noted that the bombing "underscored" both the "precarious position" of Pakistan's minorities and the fact that the fighters from armed groups "are still capable of staging wide-scale assaults despite the months-long military offensive targeting their hideouts and safe havens in remote tribal areas".<ref name="AJ-28-3-2016">{{cite news|title=Lahore bombing: Pakistan mourns as death toll rises|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/lahore-bombing-pakistan-mourns-death-toll-rises-160328091627212.html|accessdate=28 March 2016|agency=Al Jazeera|date=28 Mar 2016}}</ref> On 29 of March, Pakistani authorities conducted a counter terror operation with more than 5,000 questioned, and more than 200 suspects detained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35916578|title=Lahore attack: Pakistan 'detains 200' after Easter blast|work=BBC News}}</ref>According to [[Reuters]], Pakistan launched an overnight paramilitary crackdown on Islamist militants in Punjab.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-blast-idUSKCN0WT0HR|title=Pakistan plans new paramilitary crackdown; Easter bombing kills 70|date=2016-03-28|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>

On 29 of March, Pakistani authorities conducted a counter terror operation with more than 5,000 questioned, and more than 200 suspects detained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35916578|title=Lahore attack: Pakistan 'detains 200' after Easter blast|work=BBC News}}</ref>


==Reactions==
==Reactions==
[[President of Pakistan]], [[Mamnoon Hussain]]; Governor of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana]]; and Chief Minster of Punjab,<ref name="detik.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.detik.com/news/internasional/3173874/jokowi-indonesia-mengutuk-keras-serangan-bom-di-lahore-pakistan |title=Jokowi: Indonesia Mengutuk Keras Serangan Bom di Lahore Pakistan |publisher=M.detik.com |date= |accessdate=2016-03-28}}</ref> [[Mian Shahbaz Sharif]], condemned the attack and announced three days of mourning.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite web|title=Pakistan explosion leaves many dead at Lahore park|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35908512|website=[[BBC]]|accessdate=27 March 2016}}</ref> Business leaders announced that all shopping malls, [[bazaars]], and markets in Lahore would be closed on 28 March, the day following the bombing.<ref name="dt1">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/27-Mar-2016/lahore-blast-govt-announces-three-day-mourning-in-punjab|title=Lahore blast: Govt announces three-day mourning in Punjab|date=27 March 2016|publisher=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> Several news agencies in Pakistan, such as the Pakistan Tribune, changed their websites to display everything only in [[greyscale]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20160328111404-113-119981/pemimpin-dunia-mengutuk-bom-bunuh-diri-di-pakistan/|title=Pemimpin Dunia Mengutuk Bom Bunuh Diri di Pakistan|author=Hanna Azarya Samosir|work=CNN Indonesia}}</ref><ref name="detik.com"/> The [[Pakistan Army]] said it will begin military operations across Punjab in response to the bombings, targeting militants, their facilitators and their hideouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1248435/military-gives-go-ahead-for-punjab-operation-after-lahore-carnage|title=Military gives go-ahead for Punjab operation after Lahore carnage|publisher=}}</ref>
[[President of Pakistan]], [[Mamnoon Hussain]]; Governor of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana]]; and Chief Minster of Punjab,<ref name="detik.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.detik.com/news/internasional/3173874/jokowi-indonesia-mengutuk-keras-serangan-bom-di-lahore-pakistan |title=Jokowi: Indonesia Mengutuk Keras Serangan Bom di Lahore Pakistan |publisher=M.detik.com |date= |accessdate=2016-03-28}}</ref> [[Mian Shahbaz Sharif]], condemned the attack and announced three days of mourning.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite web|title=Pakistan explosion leaves many dead at Lahore park|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35908512|website=[[BBC]]|accessdate=27 March 2016}}</ref> Business leaders announced that all shopping malls, [[bazaars]], and markets in Lahore would be closed on 28 March, the day following the bombing.<ref name="dt1">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/27-Mar-2016/lahore-blast-govt-announces-three-day-mourning-in-punjab|title=Lahore blast: Govt announces three-day mourning in Punjab|date=27 March 2016|publisher=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> Several news agencies in Pakistan, such as the Express Tribune, changed their websites to display everything only in [[greyscale]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20160328111404-113-119981/pemimpin-dunia-mengutuk-bom-bunuh-diri-di-pakistan/|title=Pemimpin Dunia Mengutuk Bom Bunuh Diri di Pakistan|author=Hanna Azarya Samosir|work=CNN Indonesia}}</ref><ref name="detik.com"/>

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The [[Pakistan Army]] said it will begin military operations across Punjab in response to the bombings, targeting militants, their facilitators and their hideouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1248435/military-gives-go-ahead-for-punjab-operation-after-lahore-carnage|title=Military gives go-ahead for Punjab operation after Lahore carnage|publisher=}}</ref> [[United Nations Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] condemned the attack and called for Islamabad to protect religious minorities.<ref name="manilabulletin">{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/pakistan-suicide-blast-targeted-christians-taliban/|title=Pakistan suicide blast targeted Christians: Taliban|author=Manila Bulletin|publisher=}}</ref> The bombing was condemned and condolences offered by the leaders and spokespeople of many countries.<ref>{{cite news |author=Iyengar, Rishin |title=Outpouring of Sadness and Solidarity for Pakistan as World Reacts to Lahore Blast |url=http://time.com/4273272/lahore-blast-pakistan-solidarity-world-leaders/ |publisher=Time |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref>
* {{Flag|United Nations}}: The U.N. secretary-general [[Ban Ki-moon]] extended "his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and expresses his solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan.”
* {{Flag|United States}}: [[United States National Security Council]] Spokesperson Ned Price send his deepest "condolences to the loved ones of those killed, just as our thoughts and prayers are with the many injured in the explosion."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/03/27/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-terrorist-attack-lahore-pakistan|title=Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Terrorist Attack in Lahore, Pakistan|website=whitehouse.gov|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Omni Hotels & Resorts|Omni Hotel]] located in Downtown [[Dallas]] was depicted in Pakistani flag as a tribute to the victims, the gesture was termed as "rare".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/pakistan/lahore-blast-us-hotel-displays-pakistani-flag|title=Lahore blast: US hotel displays Pakistani flag - Khaleej Times|last=Report|first=Web|website=www.khaleejtimes.com|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2016/03/dallas-omni-hotel-getting-attention-for-not-forgetting-victims-of-pakistan-bombings.html/|title=Omni Dallas Hotel getting attention for not forgetting victims of Pakistani bombing|last=Garrett|first=Arnessa|website=Biz Beat Blog|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Hillary Clinton]] and [[Bernie Sanders]] also extended their condolences through Twitter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1074207/world-praysforlahore-after-deadly-pakistan-bomb-attack/|title=World #PraysforLahore after deadly Pakistan bomb attack - The Express Tribune|website=The Express Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
* {{Flag|India}}: Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] called his Pakistani counterpart and  expressed solidarity the victims of the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/28-Mar-2016/modi-phones-pm-expresses-grief-over-lahore-incident|title=Modi phones PM, expresses grief over Lahore incident|website=DailyTimes|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> The [[hashtag]] #PrayForLahore remained the top trend in India, popular Indian actors also tweeted condemnations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35909829|title=Indians #PrayforLahore after deadly Pakistan bomb attack - BBC News|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Canada}}: Canadian Prime Minister [[Justin Trudeau]] extended his thoughts and prayers are with all those killed or injured.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.samaa.tv/international/2016/03/afghanistan-canada-condemn-deadly-attack-in-lahore/|title=Afghanistan, Canada decry deadly attack in Lahore {{!}} SAMAA TV|website=Samaa TV|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> On 29th March Trudeau also called Nawaz Sharif.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/29/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-speaks-prime-minister-pakistan-nawaz-sharif|title=Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Speaks with Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif|last=Toolkit|first=Web Experience|website=Prime Minister of Canada|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Toronto]] also became the first major Western city to lit it's public structures in Pakistani flag. Toronto Mayor [[John Tory]] tweeted a picture of the of the Toronto sign front of the [[Toronto City Hall]] was lit in green and white, the city council also hosted a vigil.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/03/30/foreign/toronto-sign-lit-up-in-pakistan-colours-to-show-solidarity-for-lahore-blast-victims/|title=Toronto sign lit up in Pakistan colours to show solidarity for Lahore blast victims|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rt.com/news/337383-reactions-brussels-lahore-attacks/|title=Tears for Brussels but not Pakistan: How celebs and politicians (didn’t) react to Lahore attack|website=RT International|language=en-EN|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
* {{Flag|France}}: President [[François Hollande]] expressed “France’s solidarity” with Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/france-declares-solidarity-with-pakistan-after-deadly-easter-bombing/|title=France declares solidarity with Pakistan after deadly Easter bombing|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> Despite public outcry the Mayor of Paris refused to turn the [[Eiffel Tower]] in Pakistani flag claiming that "The attacks in Brussels have a special resonance because we have an exceptional link with Brussels".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenewstribe.com/2016/03/28/lahore-blast-twitter-taken-by-storm-about-eiffel-tower-illuminates-or-not-in-pakistani-flag/|title=Paris to Lahore|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Australia}}: Aussie Prime Minister [[Malcolm Turnbull]] extended his "condolences, prayers & solidarity are with the victims & their family & friends."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/from-narendra-modi-to-francois-hollande-how-world-leaders-reacted-to-lahore-attack-2698884.html|title=From Narendra Modi to Francois Hollande: How world leaders reacted to Lahore attack - Firstpost|website=Firstpost|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>  Kings Avenue Bridge in downtown [[Canberra]] was depicted in Pakistani flag.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://arynews.tv/en/australia-cana-blast-victims/|title=Australia, Canada express solidarity with Lahore blast victims|website=arynews.tv|language=en-us|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Turkey}}:  Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] called Nawaz Sharif and conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives in Lahore terror attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=396644|title=Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency )|website=www.app.com.pk|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-strongly-condemns-talibans-lahore-attack-targeting-christians.aspx?pageID=238&nid=96982|title=ASIA - Turkey, world condemn deadly attack in Pakistan, death toll exceeds 70|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2016/03/27/turkey-stands-by-pakistan-in-its-hard-days-president-erdogan|title=Turkey stands by Pakistan in its hard days: President Erdoğan|website=DailySabah|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
* {{Flag|China}}: Chinese President [[Xi Jinping]] and Prime Minister [[Li Keqiang]] condemned the attack claiming that China "firmly supports Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and acknowledges its sacrifices in this regard."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1075360/top-chinese-leaders-deplore-lahore-bombing/|title=Top Chinese leaders deplore Lahore bombing - The Express Tribune|website=The Express Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Belgium}}: Brussels Mayor [[Yvan Mayeur]] led a minute’s silence in city hall for the victims of Lahore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/2016/03/29/belgium-france-lead-minute-s-silence-for-brussels-and-lahore-attacks/|title=Belgium, France lead minute’s silence for Brussels and Lahore attacks|website=euronews|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>

=== Civil Society and Media ===
Civli Society groups including [[Amnesty International]] condemned the attack calling the attack ' inexcusable'<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/amnesty/status/714130963614330886?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=AmnestyInternational on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>. [[Huffington Post]] extended it's condolences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pia-sawhney/in-harsh-times-pakistanis_b_213929.html|title=In Harsh Times, Pakistanis Seek Comfort On Facebook|website=The Huffington Post|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] Head [[Kenneth Roth]] also condemned the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KenRoth/status/714114723206275072?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Kenneth Roth on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> Many criticised Western bias between the coverage of Brussels and Lahore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/as-social-media-mourns-lahore-blast-victims-some-criticize-western-bias/a-19148233|title=As social media mourns Lahore blast victims, some criticize Western bias {{!}} World {{!}} DW.COM {{!}} 29.03.2016|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Vox Media]] noted that the Lahore bombings weren't greeted with the outpouring of tributes and vigils that accompanied the attacks in Brussels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vox.com/2016/3/28/11318156/dallas-omni-pakistan-tribute|title=A striking and rare US tribute to the victims of Pakistan’s terrorist attack Sunday|website=Vox|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[The Independent]] also identified this bias.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/why-do-we-respond-differently-to-lahore-and-ankara-than-brussels-its-not-about-racism-its-about-fear-a6956376.html|title=Why we really respond differently to Lahore and Ankara versus Brussels|website=The Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>


Celebrities including [[Diplo]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/diplo/status/714225364722057216?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=DiP on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Drake Bell]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/DrakeBell/status/714224087300763648?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Drake Bell on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Abhishek Bachchan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/juniorbachchan/status/714319358588157955?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Abhishek Bachchan on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Harry Styles]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Harry_Styles/status/714190015073427456?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Harry Styles. on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Rishi Kapoor]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/714113523412905984?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Rishi Kapoor on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Hrithik Roshan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/714333047273889792?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Hrithik Roshan on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Priyanka Chopra]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/priyankachopra/status/714134717814202368?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=PRIYANKA on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>, [[Sidharth Malhotra]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/S1dharthM/status/714292399229394946?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=Sidharth Malhotra on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> Facebook activated Safety Check for victims of Lahore however it wrongly asked people if they were caught in a bomb attack in Pakistan who where living in Europe and U.S.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35910490|title=Facebook apology after Lahore attack - BBC News|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] presidential candidates [[John Kasich]] condemned the attack asking American's "let us remember the victims".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JohnKasich/status/714152703052492800?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw|title=John Kasich on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> [[Donald Trump]] claimed that 'he alone can solve the problem', in response the the official Twitter account of [[Game of Thrones]] mocked Trump's response to the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newmatilda.com/2016/03/28/turnbull-offers-solidarity-as-trump-looks-to-capitalise-on-lahore-bombing/|title=Turnbull Offers Solidarity As Trump Looks To Capitalise On Lahore Bombing|website=New Matilda|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
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[[United Nations Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] condemned the attack and called for Islamabad to protect religious minorities.<ref name="manilabulletin">{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/pakistan-suicide-blast-targeted-christians-taliban/|title=Pakistan suicide blast targeted Christians: Taliban|author=Manila Bulletin|publisher=}}</ref> The bombing was condemned and condolences offered by the leaders and spokespeople of many countries.<ref>{{cite news |author=Iyengar, Rishin |title=Outpouring of Sadness and Solidarity for Pakistan as World Reacts to Lahore Blast |url=http://time.com/4273272/lahore-blast-pakistan-solidarity-world-leaders/ |publisher=Time |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 10:17, 30 March 2016

2016 Lahore suicide bombing
Part of the War in North-West Pakistan
Map of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 526: Unable to find the specified location map definition: "Module:Location map/data/Lahore" does not exist.
LocationGulshan-e-Iqbal Park, Lahore, Pakistan
Coordinates31°30′59″N 74°17′25″E / 31.51625°N 74.29032°E / 31.51625; 74.29032
Date27 March 2016
18:30 (UTC+05:00)
TargetChristian civilians celebrating Easter
Attack type
Suicide bombing
WeaponsExplosive belt
Deaths72 (including 29 children)[1]
Injured340
PerpetratorsJamaat-ul-Ahrar

On 27 March 2016, at least 72 people were killed and over 340 injured in a suicide bombing that hit the main entrance of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, one of the largest parks in Lahore, Pakistan.[1][2][3][4] The attack targeted Christians who were celebrating the Easter holiday.[5] Of the dead, 14 were identified as Christians and the rest as Muslims.[6] The majority of victims were women and children. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack.[7] The attack led a worldwide condemnation and national mourning throughout Pakistan. Pakistan also launched a widespread counter-terrorism operation in South Punjab arresting over 200 people.[8]

Background

The Pakistani Taliban operates as an umbrella organization for various Islamist militant groups in Pakistan. They actively target religious minorities for attack. Christians, who make up 2% of Pakistan's population, are frequently targeted by extremist groups.[9]

The 2013 suicide attack on the historic All Saints Church in Peshawar killed 75 people.[10][11] In March 2015, the Lahore church bombings killed at least 15 people in suicide attacks on churches in Lahore.[12] The Taliban claimed responsibility and warned that more attacks would occur.[12]

One faction within the Pakistani Taliban is Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway organisation that reunited in March 2015.[9][13][14] Jamaat-ul-Ahrar carried out the November 2014 Wagah border attack where over 60 people died and over 100 were injured.[15]

Bombing

The bombing took place at 18:30; a Rescue 1122 spokesman recounted how they had received an emergency call around 18:44, and 23 ambulances were sent to the location.[16] Over 40 bodies arrived at Jinnah Hospital.[17] A shortage of ambulances forced taxis and rickshaws to transport the injured.[17] Responsibility was claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban that had previously been responsible for bombings at two Lahore churches on 15 March 2015.[18][19] A statement by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said the attack targeted Christians.[7]

Witnesses reported that the blast occurred at the entrance of the park. There were many Christians in the park due to Easter Day celebrations. The front entrances were crowded with people including children. Witnesses reported that 'children body parts' were flying in every direction. Due to the blast force, several bodies were flung into the air. The blast could be heard many kilometres away. Local residents reported that the noise was deafening. Shortly afterwards, total chaos erupted; everyone was screaming and running. A witness, identified by the name Danish, said:[20]

"It was so crowded that there was even no way of entering it. We went to a canteen to have something to eat, when there was suddenly a big blast. Everyone panicked, running to all directions. Many of them were blocked at the gate of the park. Dead bodies can be found everywhere."[20]

Aftermath

After the attack, citizens rushed to hospitals in response to urgent requests for blood donations. On-demand cab service Careem offered free rides to the hospital for blood donors, while activists also used social media to coordinate relief efforts, including donating blood, food, and cash.[21] Half of the more than 300 victims were taken to Jinnah Hospital in Lahore on Sunday night. 67 remained in the hospital with various injuries such as burns and shrapnel wounds, doctors said.[22]

The chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, Imran Khan, visited the victims of the blast in Jinnah Hospital. He later told the media that the current government needs to implement the National Action Plan and develop a consensus to go after terrorists in whichever province they are seeking refuge. He added that Pakistan's Government had failed to provide security to Pakistani people and that it must revisit its priorities. He later condemned the attack by saying: “It is strictly against the teachings of our Holy Prophet (Muhammad) and basic principles of Islam.”[23]

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a meeting in response to the bombing. Pakistan’s army chief, General Raheel Sharif, also convened an emergency meeting of the country’s intelligence agencies to begin to track down those responsible for the attacks. On Monday, Prime Minister Sharif directed law enforcement agencies to step up counter-terror operations against terrorists and their abettors in southern Punjab. The prime minister issued these orders to the LEA’s while chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House in Lahore to review the attack and overall strategy against terrorists. He later said his government goal was to "eliminate terror infrastructure" from Pakistan but also the extremist mind-set which was a threat to our way of life.[24]

On 28 March, in Punjab, several suspected terrorists were arrested alongside with firearms with full ammo recovered in different parts in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. Since the night of 27 March, the army had conducted a military operation for capturing the terrorists.[24] Al Jazeera noted that the bombing "underscored" both the "precarious position" of Pakistan's minorities and the fact that the fighters from armed groups "are still capable of staging wide-scale assaults despite the months-long military offensive targeting their hideouts and safe havens in remote tribal areas".[25] On 29 of March, Pakistani authorities conducted a counter terror operation with more than 5,000 questioned, and more than 200 suspects detained.[26]According to Reuters, Pakistan launched an overnight paramilitary crackdown on Islamist militants in Punjab.[27]

Reactions

President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain; Governor of Punjab, Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana; and Chief Minster of Punjab,[28] Mian Shahbaz Sharif, condemned the attack and announced three days of mourning.[2] Business leaders announced that all shopping malls, bazaars, and markets in Lahore would be closed on 28 March, the day following the bombing.[29] Several news agencies in Pakistan, such as the Express Tribune, changed their websites to display everything only in greyscale.[30][28]

The Pakistan Army said it will begin military operations across Punjab in response to the bombings, targeting militants, their facilitators and their hideouts.[31] United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack and called for Islamabad to protect religious minorities.[32] The bombing was condemned and condolences offered by the leaders and spokespeople of many countries.[33]

  •  United Nations: The U.N. secretary-general Ban Ki-moon extended "his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and expresses his solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan.”
  •  United States: United States National Security Council Spokesperson Ned Price send his deepest "condolences to the loved ones of those killed, just as our thoughts and prayers are with the many injured in the explosion."[34] Omni Hotel located in Downtown Dallas was depicted in Pakistani flag as a tribute to the victims, the gesture was termed as "rare".[35][36] Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders also extended their condolences through Twitter.[37]
  •  India: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his Pakistani counterpart and  expressed solidarity the victims of the attack.[38] The hashtag #PrayForLahore remained the top trend in India, popular Indian actors also tweeted condemnations.[39]
  •  Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his thoughts and prayers are with all those killed or injured.[40] On 29th March Trudeau also called Nawaz Sharif.[41] Toronto also became the first major Western city to lit it's public structures in Pakistani flag. Toronto Mayor John Tory tweeted a picture of the of the Toronto sign front of the Toronto City Hall was lit in green and white, the city council also hosted a vigil.[42][43]
  •  France: President François Hollande expressed “France’s solidarity” with Pakistan.[44] Despite public outcry the Mayor of Paris refused to turn the Eiffel Tower in Pakistani flag claiming that "The attacks in Brussels have a special resonance because we have an exceptional link with Brussels".[45]
  •  Australia: Aussie Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull extended his "condolences, prayers & solidarity are with the victims & their family & friends."[46]  Kings Avenue Bridge in downtown Canberra was depicted in Pakistani flag.[47]
  •  Turkey:  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Nawaz Sharif and conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives in Lahore terror attack.[48][49][50]
  •  China: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang condemned the attack claiming that China "firmly supports Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and acknowledges its sacrifices in this regard."[51]
  •  Belgium: Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur led a minute’s silence in city hall for the victims of Lahore.[52]

Civil Society and Media

Civli Society groups including Amnesty International condemned the attack calling the attack ' inexcusable'[53]. Huffington Post extended it's condolences.[54] Human Rights Watch Head Kenneth Roth also condemned the attack.[55] Many criticised Western bias between the coverage of Brussels and Lahore.[56] Vox Media noted that the Lahore bombings weren't greeted with the outpouring of tributes and vigils that accompanied the attacks in Brussels.[57] The Independent also identified this bias.[58]

Celebrities including Diplo[59], Drake Bell[60], Abhishek Bachchan[61], Harry Styles[62], Rishi Kapoor[63], Hrithik Roshan[64], Priyanka Chopra[65], Sidharth Malhotra[66] Facebook activated Safety Check for victims of Lahore however it wrongly asked people if they were caught in a bomb attack in Pakistan who where living in Europe and U.S.[67] Republican Party presidential candidates John Kasich condemned the attack asking American's "let us remember the victims".[68] Donald Trump claimed that 'he alone can solve the problem', in response the the official Twitter account of Game of Thrones mocked Trump's response to the attack.[69]

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b "Pakistan explosion leaves many dead at Lahore park". BBC. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  3. ^ "72 killed, over 300 injured in Lahore suicide blast". The News. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  4. ^ Sophia Saifi, CNN (27 March 2016). "Pakistan bombing: Taliban targets Christians, kills 69 - CNN.com". CNN. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ (March 27, 2017). Pakistan explosion leaves many dead at Lahore park. BBC. Retrieved: March 30, 2016.
  6. ^ "Lahore attack: Anguished Families Bury their Dead". The Express Tribune. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Scores killed in Lahore suicide attack". Al Jazeera. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
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