LAHORE: At least 39 people were killed and 95 others wounded on Friday after two suicide bombers struck the vehicles of Garrison Security Force near R A Bazaar in Lahore.
The heads of both alleged bombers were recovered from the scene of the blasts while two suspects were also arrested, the Inspector General of Punjab Tariq Salim Dogar told reporters after the blasts.
The IGP also confirmed the death toll.
Meanwhile, the proscribed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed the responsibility for twin Lahore bombings.
The blasts took place at 12:48 pm within the space of 15 seconds at R A Bazar as crowds gathered for Friday prayers. The blasts were so powerful that it caused cracks in nearby buildings besides shattering window panes.
“We have collected concrete technical evidence, which will help identify the attackers. Both the attackers were on foot,” the IGP said.
Five security men were dead and 15 others were wounded in the bombings, sources cloe to security agencies said.
Rescue workers and paramedics rushed to the R A Bazaar, a densely populated area of the city.
The area was crowded as the blasts occurred shortly before the main Friday prayers were to start. Emergency was immediately declared in city hospitals, where dead and injured were shifted.