Over a hundred killed in Pakistan bombings

(Vatican Radio) At least 115 people were killed in bombings in two Pakistani cities yesterday in one of the country's bloodiest days in recent years. Two of the attacks which caused the most casualties took place in the city of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan in the south west of Pakistan

Officials said the first attack, in a crowded snooker hall, was a suicide bombing.

About ten minutes later, a car bomb exploded among rescue workers. Five policemen and a cameraman were among the dead from that blast.

The attacks happened in a predominately Shia neighbourhood and banned sectarian group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility.

One witness described what he saw saying he heard the sound of a big explosion behind him and saw smoke everywhere.

The extremist Sunni group targets Shias, who make up about 20 percent of Pakistani's population.

Earlier in the day a blast in Quetta's market killed 11 people and injured more than 40. A child was also killed.

The United Baloch Army claimed responsibility.

The group is one of several fighting for independence for Balochistan.

Also on Thursday, 21 people were killed and more than 60 injured in a bombing when people gathered to hear a religious leader speak in Mingora, the largest city in the northwestern province of Swat.

Doctors say the death toll in these attacks could rise further.

Listen to this report by Tracey McClure: