6 killed in blast at Pakistan shrine

Six people were killed early Monday morning when a bomb exploded

Six people were killed early Monday morning when a bomb exploded at one of Pakistan's largest Sufi shrines, authorities said. Fifteen others were wounded. The bomb exploded at the Baba Farid shrine in Pakpattan shortly after dawn prayers, when crowds of morning worshipers usually leave the site, police said. About 300 worshipers were at the shrine when the blast took place, said Aslam Hayat, the top government official in Pakpattan. Two boys posing as milkmen placed the bomb at one of the main gates of the shrine, Hayat said. They arrived at the shrine with a milk drum attached to their motorcycle and parked at the gate, Hayat said. The bomb detonated 10 minutes later, he said. Hayat said explosives were likely inside the metal milk drum. Pakpattan, an ancient city in Punjab province, is located about 190 km (118 miles) south of Lahore.

Baba Farid is considered one of Pakistan's most revered Sufi saints. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. But in recent months Muslim extremists have stepped up attacks against minority sects and their places of worship. Police officials said 15 people were injured in Monday morning's blast. Several nearby shops were damaged, Hayat said.

Posted in: Pakistan News