Pakistan vows crackdown on Islamic militants following terror attack

Islamic Extremism

The Pakistani government said it will launch a paramilitary crackdown on Islamic militants.

The announcement comes after the fatal Easter Sunday bombing in a Lahore park that killed more than 70 people. The bombing took place at a busy children’s park where families were enjoying an Easter outing.

A Taliban splinter group claimed responsibility, saying it was targeting the small Christian community in Lahore. Around 14 of those killed have been identified as Christian and 44 of the casualties were Muslim.

More than 300 people were injured, mostly women and children. It was Pakistan’s deadliest attack in two years.

CCTV’s Daniel Khan reports from Lahore.

The attack was claimed by the splinter group of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan known as Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.

Police say the suicide attack took place at the children’s park. Eyewitnesses say the crowd was unusually large because of Easter. The blast was just a few feet away from the children’s swings.

Hospitals across the city were put on high alert as officials called for blood donations.

Many eyewitnesses said there was no security present in or around the park.

The government has chaired several high level meetings following the attack. They said the will continue the fight against terrorism.


Moeed Yusuf on Pakistan terror attack

For more on Pakistan terror attack, CCTV America’s Mike Walter spoke to Moeed Yusuf. He’s the director of South Asia Programs at the U.S. Institute of Peace.