Lahore attack could lead to a new series of blasts during Muharram: Time

Washington, Jan 11 : Yesterday's suicide attack in Lahore, which occurred on the eve of Muharram month, claiming 25 lives could lead to a new series of such attacks in Pakistan, because the country has witnessed some of the worst blasts when Muharram approaches, said the Times magazine in an article published today.

It said that in the aftermath of gruesome killing of ex-premier Benazir Bhutto, the Lahoe suicide attack will hardy assuage mounting fears of insecurity, according to a commentary.

"Today's bombing took place on the eve of Muharram, the Islamic month of mourning, and it could augur a new series of such attacks. Muharram has historically been associated with increased violence between the country's Sunni Muslims and its Shia minority. While Muharram is important to both sects, it is particularly revered by Shias . . . In 2005 a bomb in a Shia shrine in southwestern Pakistan killed 50. Already sectarian violence has taken hundreds of lives in the northern district of Kurram. Leaders are pleading for peace, and security agencies are boosting security at holy sites across the country," said the magazine.

ANI