Bomb attack in Pakistan, 3 dead
A powerful roadside bomb exploded among a procession of Shia Muslims in central Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least three and wounding over 50 persons, the local police said.
Videos circulating on social media showed police and ambulances rushing toward the explosion site. Several wounded people were seen waiting for help in the city of Bahawalnagar in eastern Punjab Province of Pakistan, where the bomb attack took place.
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City police officer Mohammad Asad and Shia leader Khawar Shafqat confirmed the bombing. Witnesses said tensions were now high in the city, with Shias protesting the attack and demanding retribution.
Shafqat said the explosion went off while the procession of Shia Muslims was passing through a congested Muhajir Colony. He flayed the attack and urged the government to further step up security at such processions, which are ongoing in other parts of the country as well.
Communications in the area were difficult, as the authorities had suspended cellphone service across the country a day ago ahead of the Shia Ashoura festival. The annual commemoration mourns the 7th century death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein, one of Shia Islam's most beloved saints.
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For Shias, the remembrance of Hussein is an emotional event that sees many believers weep over his death at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq. During the Ashura processions, which are held across the world, many participants beat their backs with chains, flagellating themselves in a symbolic expression of regret for not being able to help Hussein before his martyrdom.
Shias are a minority in predominant Sunni Muslim Pakistan, where extremist Sunni Muslims view them as apostates deserving of death.
-PTC News with inputs from agencies
