Pakistan rocked by more bomb attacks

Two separate bomb attacks killed more than 20 people and injured dozens more in Pakistan today.

In the first suicide bomber struck outside a court building in Peshawar, killing six people and wounding 49.

Hours later two bombs ripped through a crowded market in the eastern city of Lahore killing at least 12 people and wounding 35.

Islamist militants have carried out scores of bloody bombings in Pakistan in recent weeks as the army presses an offensive against a Taliban stronghold in the north-west close to the Afghan border.

More than 400 people have been killed in the wave of attacks. Most have been directed at security forces, though several have targeted crowded public spaces such as markets.

Security and government facilities are favourite targets of the militants.

The attacks came as Pakistan’s Supreme Court heard petitions against an expired amnesty that had protected President Asif Ali Zardari and key allies from graft charges in a hearing that could lead to legal challenges to the Western-backed leader’s rule.

A ruling against Mr Zadari – who opinion polls show to be very unpopular - risks political turmoil just as the West wants Pakistan to redouble its fight against al Qaida and the Taliban near the Afghan border.