Suicide attack at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park

Initial report points out serious security lapse

ISLAMABAD: The preliminary investigation into suicide attack at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, Lahore, reveals serious security lapse as no security personnel was posted at the park and no CCTV camera was installed there. As per the report, suicide attacker exploded himself while carrying hand bag full of explosive material and targeted children and women.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who sought the initial report directed the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and law enforcement agencies to furnish details of this inhuman terrorist attack immediately.

According to the preliminary report, suicide attacker successfully managed to approach and target innocent women and children gathered in the park due to absence of security personnel and CCTV cameras.

Allama Iqbal Town is the area which was targeted three times by suicide bombers where dozens of women and children were killed. Out of total four suicide attacks in Allama Iqbal Town in last eight years, Moon Market carnage was the horrific incident where women and children were targeted while they were engaged in shopping.

This time Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park which is adjacent to Moon Market was targeted. Women and children were playing in the park. The sensitivity of Iqbal Town area is that it is located near the areas of entrance and exit of the provincial metropolis.

The report further stated that due to lack of CCTV cameras, investigation might face obstacles to unfold the tragedy. The report highlights severe security lapse in the incident. Although law enforcement agencies collected the CNIC of suicide attacker but report of forensic laboratory would determine either it was original or not.

PM Nawaz Sharif remained in contact with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to get update about the attack and rescue operation. Although law enforcement agencies have issued a security alert as terrorists might carry out attacks on soft targets but no specified locations were mentioned.