25 killed in gunmen attack in Pakistan

Monday, March 30, 2009

Islamabad - At least 25 people were killed and 90 others injured when unidentified gunmen attacked a police training school in the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore on Monday.

The gunmen threw hand grenades into the training school before an exchange of fire between police and gunmen began at the police-training centre in Manawan area of Lahore, capital of eastern Punjab province.

The attackers reportedly took some policemen hostage after taking position inside the police-training centre. Snipers were also arranged on a nearby rooftop.

Some injured policemen have been transported to nearby hospitals.

Security has been put on high alert across the country and more contingents of armed police have been sent to the area.

Around 400 police trainees are inside the training school.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusaf Raza Gilani on Monday strongly condemned the attack.

This is the second gunmen attack within the month in Lahore, the second largest city of Pakistan.

The terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team on 3 March killed at least seven people, including five policemen, and injured 19 others.

Pakistan police have so far failed to arrest any of the attackers. Only some who had allegedly helped the terrorists were detained.

It is yet known if there is any link between the two attacks.