Large-scale terrorist attack in Pakistan

Yesterday, in Lahore city, a suicide bomber carried out an attack near the main entrance of the Gulshan-e-Iqbal public park. According to recent reports, 72 people were killed (including 23 children), and more than 300 were injured.

Masking problems with security and religious overtones

At the time of the terrorist attack there were many families with children in the park, but there were no security guards or police at checkpoints.

According to preliminary information, the attack was carried out by the group 'Jamaat-ul-Ahrar ", which is part of the movement of the Pakistani Taliban," Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan". Prior to the attack, negotiations took place between the Government and the Taliban for reconciliation.

The attack in Pakistan fell on the day that marks Catholic Easter, so many Christians were in the park. There was a lack of adequate security measures, which shows a possible plot between the Islamists and the military.

Hiding Ethno-political diversity and the power structure of Pakistan

Pakistan's population includes various ethnic groups - Pashtun, Punjabis, Baluchis, Bengalis, Sindhis, etc. In addition, Muslims themselves are divided into Sunnis (including Sufi), Shiites, and Ahmadis.

The leading role of Pakistan’s governance is occupied by the military. The primary balance is held on a consensus between the prime minister Nazaf Sharif and General Raheel Sharif, who, in 2013, served as Chief of Staff of the Pakistani Army.

According to Stratfor, the Pakistani military control one third of the heavy industry, and own about $20 billion in various assets and 12 million acres of public land. Retired military personnel take up positions in the banking, insurance, manufacturing, and agricultural sector.

Now the political circles of Pakistan are apparently attempting pragmatic solutions. One of them is to strengthen diplomatic, trade, and energy ties with India. This could create resentment on the part of any ethnic clans or religious groups who consider a similar orientation as a betrayal of traditional ways and the last line of foreign policy.

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Pakistan
Lahore
Terrorism
Taliban