LAHORE — Roman Catholic Church, and Christ Church in Lahore’s Youhanabad area have been attacked. Both churches have high attendance on Sundays on account of mass.
Initial reports suggest two suicide bombers carried out the attack, according to Dawn newspaper.
Youhanabad is the country’s biggest Christian locality, housing at least one million people. The Christian community in Pakistan has long been the target of attacks and hate crimes carried out by extremist elements within the country.
Two suspects have been arrested from near the blast sites.
One young man, alleged to be involved in the attack, was earlier beaten to death by the enraged mob.
A young child, estimated to be 12 years of age is among those killed. At least 37 other wounded have been counted at one hospital so far.
A stream of wounded are still being brought into nearby hospitals.
Initial reports suggest two suicide bombers reached the gates of two churches and blew themselves up. The attackers attempted to enter the churches, but were successfully stopped at the gates.
Eyewitnesses said that the Sunday church ceremony was underway when two suspects approached the main gate and opened fire, before blowing themselves up.
At least three people have died in the blasts. Many wounded are being brought into the hospital.
According to initial reports, the mob has beaten the young man to death.
Eye witnesses claim the individual was involved in the attack.
The enraged crowd has beaten up an unknown person at the site of the blasts. The young man is estimated to be 20-22 years old.
The condition of several wounded is reported as critical. A large number of people have gathered at the hospital.
Initial reports suggest at least 20 people were injured in the blasts who were shifted to Lahore General Hospital where an emergency has been imposed.
Emergency and security teams were dispatched to the site of explosion. The nature and intensity of the blasts are yet to be ascertained.
