LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah says the important buildings on The Mall were provided security in the wake of recent threat alert but he blames the protest demonstration for the tragedy.

“Had there been no protest demonstration, this incident would not have occurred,” Sanaullah told a private TV channel on Monday.

On receiving threat alert, he said the security of important buildings on The Mall like Governor House, Punjab Assembly and Lahore High Court was beefed up. However, he said, the protest provided the opportunity to terrorist(s) to target it.

The National Counter Terrorism Authority had issued a threat alert on Feb 7, saying a terrorist group had planned an attack in Lahore. It had sought vigilance for all important buildings, hospitals and schools.

Published in Dawn February 14th, 2017