Death toll of ‘Easter attack’ in Lahore crosses 70

On Sunday, a major blast ripped through a public park in Lahore where Christian families were celebrating Easter. The blast resulted in the death of over 70 people and wounded over 250. Most victims were women and children.

Pakistan officials believe that the blast, which occurred in a parking lot of the Gulshan-E-Iqbal Park, was caused by a suicide bomber.

The faction of the Pakistani Taliban, Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement to the Telegraph, the group spokesperson was quoted saying,

“We claim responsibility for the attack on Christians as they were celebrating Easter.” He also warned of more attacks.

The state announced a three day mourning period after the blast and imposed a state of emergency on Hospitals.

After the news of the blast became public, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and expressed grief over the attack. In addition to India, both U.S and U.K have publicly condemned the attack and promised to support Pakistan in their fight against terror.