Three suicide bombers struck a Sufi shrine in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore today, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 100, according to reports.
A large number of devotees were visiting the shrine of the Persian Sufi saint, Syed Ali Hajwairi, in the heart of the city when the attacks occurred.
One of the attackers blew himself up at the gate of the sprawling, marble shrine while two other attacks took place in the basement of the shrine where people were washing for prayers.
The shrine at Data Darbar is one of the most famous in Pakistan, attracting hundreds of devotees every night, with Thursdays being the most popular nights. The complex includes a mosque and a police station in the basement.
Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, has suffered from frequent violence in recent weeks. More than 80 people were killed in twin attacks on the mosques of the minority Ahmadi sect in May.
A spokeswoman for President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack. "This sickening poison of extremism will be driven out of our nation and we will not be cowed."
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said the attack on the shrine showed that "terrorists have no consideration for any religion, faith and belief".
Agencies