ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — At least 44 Pakistanis were killed in bombings Monday in Lahore and Peshawar in the latest evidence that religious extremists who threaten to re- conquer Afghanistan also threaten the stability of Pakistan.
In the eastern city of Lahore, a twin bombing at a market killed at least 34 and injured 109, according to senior local official Khusro Pervaiz. The explosions touched off a big fire at the Moon market, which women frequent, and security authorities feared more victims are still buried under rubble. Many of the casualties were children.
In the northwestern city of Peshawar, police stopped an attacker outside a court building, but he blew himself up and killed at least 10. In the past, the Pakistani Taliban and other Islamic extremist groups had attacked military or police targets almost exclusively, but more recent attacks have been directed at civilians in public places.
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday visited the victims of Friday’s bombing at a mosque used by army personnel in Rawalpindi, headquarters of the Pakistani military. Accompanying him was Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, the army chief, a joint appearance that indicated the army and civilian leadership see eye to eye over combating terrorism.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s civilian-led government headed into new turmoil as the high court began its review of a legal amnesty for politicians and bureaucrats.
Should the court throw out the amnesty, old criminal charges could be revived against the interior and defense ministers, senior government officials and even Zardari. Surprisingly, the government failed to mount any defense of the law.
President Barack Obama’s newly announced plan for stabilizing Afghanistan relies heavily on Pakistan to act on its side of the border. However, Zardari and his government could instead be consumed by a fight for survival.
