BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Pakistani police say the death toll from Sunday's suicide bombing near the country's border with India has risen to 60, while dozens more injured are being treated in hospital.
Three militant groups have claimed responsibility for the attack.
45 people, including women and children, died on the spot,while 15 others died of injuries at hospitals.
Out of the eighty injured, the condition of many remains critical.
The authorities say the suicide bomber was carrying around 15 kilograms of explosives and a bag.
A large number of visitors were returning home from the Wagah border after watching the flag-lowering ceremony when a suicide bomber detonated the explosives.
The victims received multiple injuries due to ball bearings and splinters.
Soon after the incident, the victims were shifted to Hospitals and the area was cordoned off.
According to police, at least ten women were among the victims, while three officials of Rangers died.
The Director General Rangers said the death toll would have been much greater had the bomber been able to enter the main venue where hundreds of people were watching the ceremony.
Hours after the explosion, three militants groups claimed responsibility for the attack.
These include the Talibani Pakistan and Jamatul Ahrar, a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban. The third is a militant group called Jundallah.
Security arrangements have been tightened across the country as the Islamic month of muharram is being observed.
Army troops and Rangers are assisting the police to ensure peace.
Cell phone services have been partially suspended and pillion riding banned.
Observers say that this attack is a clear reaction of the army operation against Taliban militants, currently underway in the north-west restive region of Waziristan.
But the Pakistan army says, it will continue its fight against terrorism until its completely eliminated.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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