Pakistan hunts for militants after bombing kills 70 people.

Pakistani authorities launched a manhunt today for militants behind a suicide bombing targeting Catholics that killed more than 70 people on Easter Sunday.

A man weeps over the deaths of a relative in a Lahore bombing. Photo: AP

"We must bring those who murdered our innocent brothers, sisters, and children to justice and will never allow these cruel, inhumane individuals to trample on our lives and freedoms," Reuters quoted.Asim Bajwa,A Pakistani military spokesman said on his Twitter account.

Most of the victims of last night's bombing in a city park in Lahore, Punjab province, eastern Pakistan, were women and children out celebrating Easter weekend. Authorities said more than 70 people died and 300 were injured. The death toll is expected to rise. Pakistan has experienced militant violence for the past 15 years.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a branch of the Taliban terrorist group in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack and directly challenged the government. "The target was Catholics."Ehsanullah Ehsan,"We want to send this message to the Prime Minister," said a spokesperson for the branch group.Nawaz Sharif said, "We have entered Lahore."

Sharif's office condemned the explosion as a cowardly act and said it had ordered a response, though it did not elaborate.

Security forces killed and captured hundreds of suspected militants in a major crackdown following the Taliban massacre of 134 children at a military-run school in Peshawar in December 2014.

Lahore is located in eastern Pakistan. Graphic: Topnews

Scene of the Lahore bombing:

According to VNE