ISLAMABAD
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said Thursday that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility of the recent wave of terrorism.
According to media reports, Rashid said that the TTP had claimed responsibility of the Islamabad incident. “All departments are fully prepared to deal with terrorists. The thinking of all departments is the same,” he maintained.
Interior Minister said that there was a security threat in the country. “The Anarkali blast seems to be a terrorism incident,” he added.
The minister said that a red alert had been issued in Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.
On Thursday, a deadly blast took lives of three and injured 28 at Lahore’s Anarkali Bazar. Police officials said that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the blast. Windows of nearby shops and buildings were left shattered by the explosion, while motorcycles parked near the site of the blast were damaged.
The police official said the blast caused a 1.5 feet-deep crater in the ground. The injured have been shifted to Mayo Hospital.
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan condemned the blast at New Anarkali in Lahore.
The premier, while taking notice of the explosion, has directed the concerned authorities to arrest the responsible people as soon as possible.
He further extended condolences to the bereaved families of the explosion victims.
President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Mian Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over loss of precious human lives in Lahore blast and said that poor and minors were affected by the blast which is strongly condemnable.
Opposition Leader of National Assembly said that terrorism in Lahore days after an incident in Islamabad is not a good sign for the country.
Shehbaz Sharif also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
Maryam Nawaz said that a blast in busiest area of Lahore is very concerning.
