Bombing hits Pakistan's Shia procession, 3 killed, over 30 wounded

Lahore : A powerful explosion has been reported during a procession of Shia Muslims in Central Pakistan on Thursday. Three people have been confirmed dead and more than 30 people have received injuries in the incident.

As seen in the videos on social media, police vehicles and ambulances can be seen rushing to the spot to help the needy.

City police officer Mohammad Asad and Shia leader Khawar Shafqat confirmed the bombing. Witnesses said tensions are now high in the city, with Shias protesting the attack and demanding retribution.

According to a news report by Associated Press, the bombing occurred when the procession was passing through a congested neighbourhood known as Muhajir Colony.

The annual commemoration mourns the 7th-century death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein, one of Shia Islam's most beloved saints. 

For Shias, the remembrance of Hussein is an emotional event that sees many believers weep over his death at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq. During the Ashura processions, which are held across the world, many participants beat their backs with chains, flagellating themselves in a symbolic expression of regret for not being able to help Hussein before his martyrdom. 

Shia is a minority in predominantly Sunni Muslim Pakistan, where extremist Sunni Muslims view them as apostates deserving of death.