A deadly attack caused by a suicide bombing outside Pakistan's Punjab assembly in Lahore (February 13) around 6 pm during a protest demonstration sent shockwaves among the country's establishment, claimed 13 lives and grievously wounded as many as 85 people.

Crucially, the incident has further demoralised the already beleaguered Pakistani security forces as it took the lives of six police officers, including two senior cops - DIG traffic, Lahore, Capt (retd) Ahmad Mobin and SSP operations Zahid Gondal of Punjab Police. Sadly, Mobin was seen on TV moments ago trying to pacify the agitators and persuading them to clear the area. The losses have dealt a severe blow to the police, who do not seem to be putting their hearts into fighting terror as the malaise is so protracted now, and is gradually weaning away professional interest from the forces. Incidentally, the Jamat -ul-Ahrar faction of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. The bombing happened during the gathering of a large group of chemists and pharmaceutical manufacturers in front of the assembly, protesting against a government crackdown against sale of illegal drugs. On expected lines, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif quickly condemned the blast while reiterating Pakistan's "decisive" fight against terrorism. It's a personal loss of face for Sharif as the incident happened in the heart of his state, where he and his brother Shahbaz have always felt their writ ran in copious measure. Their claims now stand deflated. Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa immediately instructed local military commanders and intelligence agencies to provide necessary assistance to the police and investigators. It seems panic has set in by this bombing and the establishment looks rattled. Significantly, on February 7, the Punjab government and National Counter Terror Authority (NCTA) had explicitly warned of a possible terror attack in Lahore. It had further cautioned for enforcing strict surveillance on all vital installations, buildings, hospitals and educational institutions. TTP, the principal perpetrator, has been active since December 2007. It has an array of allies, including the Haqqani network, al-Qaeda, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islam, among others. nawaz-embed_021417020445.jpg Nawaz Sharif quickly condemned the blast while reiterating Pakistan's "decisive" fight against terrorism. (Photo: India Today) It's pertinent to note that TTP shares close ties with the al-Qaeda, seeking expertise on bombs and handling of sophisticated firearms plus specialised training. TTP's safe havens are mainly ensconced in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and it is regarded as a faction of the al-Qaeda. According to a research paper published in New York University, the TTP is a catalyst to al-Qaeda's acquisition of a more local character over the year. This looks to be a strategic move on part of the al-Qaeda, which is often dismissed as a spent force in Pakistan owing to emergence of the IS and it's consistent endeavours to proliferate in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Analysing the lethal suicide attack, it's more than evident that TTP is very much alive and kicking. A suicide attack also suggests the resolve on part of the terror outfit and its agenda of repeatedly targeting the police and other security personnel. The incident also raises possibilities of renewed targeting of public congregations and Lahore may become a favoured focus of terrorists as Karachi has always been. Another apprehension is that Pakistanis fighting in Syria may come back after their activities are wrapped up and join the TTP or its collaborators, adding further muscle to the ongoing terror campaign. Finally, the Lahore suicide attack also defeats the claims of gains of the much trumpeted operation Zarb-e-Azb (sharp and cutting strike), the joint military offensive by Pakistan's armed forces against terror entities. Former army chief of the nation Raheel Sharif and Nawaz Sharif drew immense satisfaction that the operation had almost extinguished the flame of terror, but the Lahore incident disproves this. In the past, detractors of Indian interests and elements quick to blame India, had been accusing India's external intelligence agencies of executing bomb blasts in Pakistan using the TTP. With such charges, though hollow, still fresh in the mind of India baiters, there is every possibility of raking up alleged Indian complicity in this bombing and other terror strikes that may ensue in the not so distant future. Indian agencies should be well prepared to respond to accusations, in good measure, and not accept the blame lying down. It would appear professionally more apt to pre-empt such moves.