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Updated 02 Nov, 2014 09:34pm

Political leaders condemn Wagah border blast

LAHORE: The prime minister and other prominent figures from all political parties on Sunday strongly condemned the explosion near the Wagah Border that left at least 50 dead and scores injured.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the blast and called for a report over the incident. APP reported that the premier expressed his grief over the loss of precious human lives.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has also strongly condemned the incident.

Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack and took to Twitter to say: "PML-N ministers on duty on the spot & at the hospitals. Ministers are there to serve and this is their prime duty."

Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali called the incident a “national tragedy”.

“There is a conspiracy to try and weaken the country,” he said.

“The whole nation at this moment is in mourning over the tragedy,” the minister said.

“It is very painful that such a large number of people have died or been injured…We have been saying for ages that the entire nation needs to openly stand against terrorism, said Pakistan Peoples Party PPP Information Secretary Qamar Zaman Kaira.

“The Pakistan Rangers young men have not even be spared. We have been saying for a while that explosives are present in Lahore but the leaders were in denial and insisted that all is well in Lahore," he added.

“Shahbaz Sharif should check internally who in his government is supporting such elements…This extremist mindset is present in all cities and provinces," Kaira said.

PTI senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi called it “a tragic incident".

"Innocent people have been killed. [It is a] tragedy that intelligence was shared with Punjab government that such incidents could take place [and action was not taken]

“There is a sense of insecurity in the country. I condemn this atrocity and offer my condolences to the victims.

“Terrorists do not distinguish between anyone. The country needs to be united in tackling this issue,” said Qureshi.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain also expressed grief over deaths in the suicide blast at Wagah border near Lahore.

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