29 killed in three blasts in Lahore during Shia religious processions

In Pakistan, at least 29 people were killed and more than 200 injured in three back-to-back blasts on Shia religious processions in Lahore last evening.
The first blast, caused by a low intensity timed device, went off near the Karbala Gamay Shah Imambargah or prayer hall after 6.45 pm where thousands of Shia Muslims had gathered to observe the Yaum-e-Ali. Two suicide bombers struck in the nearby Bhatti Chowk area within the next 30 minutes as members of the procession fled in panic.
Both Karbala Gamay Shah and Bhatti Chowk are located close to the Data Darbar shrine that was recently targeted by suicide attackers.
Top Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan leader Qari Hussain claimed responsibility for the blasts, saying the attacks were carried out to avenge the killing of Maulana Ali Shair Haidree by Shia extremists.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blasts.
In Karachi, seven people were injured when gunmen opened fire on a Shia procession while it was passing through Empress market in Sadar, one of the oldest markets of the southern port city.

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