‘Mastermind’ behind Pak sufi shrine blast arrested

The alleged mastermind of a recent suicide attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan’s Punjab province that killed 50 people has been arrested along with five of his associates after a shootout in the restive Bajaur tribal region,officials said on Monday.

Behram Khan,who is believed to have plotted the April 3 attack on Sakhi Sarwar shrine near Dera Ghazi Khan,was captured following a clash with security forces in Mamond area of Bajaur tribal agency yesterday,officials told the media.

Five of his associates were also arrested,while one suspected militant was killed in the clash,they said.

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Security personnel were combing the Mamond area after receiving information that Khan and his men were holed up there.

The suicide attack on Sakhi Sarwar shrine had killed 50 people and injured scores more. The attack had occurred when hundreds of people from across Pakistan had gathered at the shrine to attend the annual ‘urs’ or festival.