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More than 200 held after Pakistan detains 5,000 over Easter bombing

Pakistan has held 216 suspects after a major sweep by the military and the police saw more than 5,000 detained over the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attack.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to crack down on Islamist militants in the country after the attack in Lahore claimed the lives of more than 70 people, including 29 children.

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Pope demands minorities protection in Pakistan

Many Christians were among the victims Credit: Reuters

Pope Francis condemned the Easter Sunday suicide bomb in Lahore, Pakistan - which killed 70 people, including many Christians - as "hideous".

Addressing crowds in St Peter's Square, he demanded Pakistan's government afford more protection to religious minorities.

The Pope described last night's attack as a "vile and senseless crime".

I appeal to civil authorities and all sectors of that nation to make every effort to restore security and serenity to the population, and in particular to the most vulnerable religious minorities.

– Pope Francis

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