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Suicide Bomber Hits Crowded Sufi Shrine in Pakistan, at Least 45 Killed

by Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD --

   A suicide blast has killed more than 45 people and wounded more than
   100 inside a crowded sufi shrine in southern Pakistan, doctors and
   witnesses say.

   Women and children are among the victims of the attack Thursday in
   Sehwan Sharif, a remote town in the Sindh province. Rescue workers say
   the death toll is likely to increase.

   A military spokesman said troops, helicopters and a C-130 aircraft were
   dispatched to the area to assist in the rescue efforts.

   Separately, a roadside bomb struck a military convoy in southwestern
   Baluchistan province, killing three soldiers and wounding two others,
   according to a Pakistan army statement.

   A wave of suicide bombings and other militant attacks have killed and
   wounded dozens of people this week across Pakistan.

   The deadliest attack occurred Monday that killed at least 14 people and
   wounded more than 100 others in the eastern city of Lahore.

   The anti-state Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the
   violence.

   Major-General Asif Ghafoor said recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan
   "are being executed on directions from hostile powers and from
   sanctuaries in Afghanistan."

   He did not elaborate, but Islamabad often alleges Indian intelligence
   agencies together with Afghan counterparts are helping and funding
   fugitive members of the anti-state Pakistani Taliban to plot violence
   against Pakistan.

   Kabul denies the charges.