Ahmedi Worship Places in Lahore Attacked

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab has once again unleashed a wave of terrorism in the provincial capital of Lahore. Just an hour ago, several terrorists attacked two Ahmedi Worship Places in Garhi Shahu and Model Town area. Firing has been reported, and 2 attackers have blown themselves up. Reports are also surfacing that several people have been held hostage by the attackers.

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Although initial reports have placed the figure of dead at 12, the final bodycount may be much higher due to the extensive nature of the attack. As of this moment, the violence in Model Town has subsided, but firing is still being reported in Garhi Shahu, as clashes between the terrorists and the law enforcement continue.

In light of this incident, and others in Punjab, it is imperative for the Punjab government to have a Provincial Interior Ministry that exclusively deals with this menace. Currently, all matters pertaining to security are handled by the province's Law Minister, which is an unnecessary burden.

The incident has cast a dark shadow on the status of minorities in the country. The government has given much attention to these neglected social sectors in recent years, but it seems that the terrorists have their own agenda to pursue. It is necessary that we stand together, and unite against a militant doctrine, which is hellbent on destroying anyone who disagrees with the militants. At the same time it is important to see that the rest of Pakistan does not agree with these terrorists, and is accepting of the Ahmediya Community, who like all our minorities, still hold the same status as the rest of us.