11 arrested in Sakhi Sarwar shrine attack investigations

11 suspects arrested in connection with twin suicide blasts at the shrine of sufi saint Sakhi Sarwar.

LAHORE:

Eleven suspects have been arrested in connection with the twin suicide blasts at the shrine of sufi saint Sakhi Sarwar in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Dera Ghazi Khan regional police officer Ahmed Mubarak has said the suspects have been arrested on a tip off by an alleged suicide bomber who was arrested from the site of the twin blasts. He said he is expecting a breakthrough within 2 days based on the information revealed by the arrested suspects.

Mubarak also claimed the police are getting closer to arresting those who led the suicide bombers to the blast site. He said the police are looking for the suicide bombers’ 2 aides - Zahra Ali and Naeem.

He also said security has been beefed up at all entry and exit points of DG Khan.

Investigation background

According to investigators, the planning for the attack on the shrine was done in the Bajaur tribal district. At least five people, including the suicide bombers, are suspected of having been involved.

The two attackers, 16-year-old Ismail and 18-year-old Umar, were both from North Waziristan. They received their explosive vests from handlers based in Dera Ismail Khan. They arrived in Dera Ghazi Khan on March 29, staying at the Madina Hotel. Their hotel room was booked under the name of Zara Ali, son of Shah Wali.