Pakistan: places of worship not safe even in Ramadan

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Lahore: At least ten people were killed and 25 injured in an explosion outside Data Darbar a major Sufi Muslim shrine in the Pakistani city of Lahore. The bloodshed comes as Pakistani Muslims mark the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The blast has been described as a suicide attack. Hizbul Ahrar, a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban is said to be behind the blast.

The explosion took place on Wednesday morning targeting a police security vehicle outside the Data Darbar shrine in Pakistan’s second largest city.

Data Darbar Sufi shrine is one of the oldest Sufi shrines in South Asia. It is one of the country’s most well-known and venerated shrines, with thousands thronging to the final resting place of Sufi saint Abul Hassan Ali Hajveri every day.

Denouncing the attack Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted: “Strongly condemn the terror blast outside Data Darbar this morning. Have asked Punjab govt. to provide all assistance to the injured & families of victims.”