On July 24, at half past three in the afternoon, there was a sudden change in Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s plan. He was scheduled to drive past Lahore’s Technology Park to inspect the demolition of unlawfully constructed buildings. But the visit was cancelled, after a morning meeting went into overtime.
At the other end of Lahore, a young man lying in wait revved up his motorcycle, embraced his two escorts and set off, driving aimlessly up and down Ferozpur Road, a key thoroughfare in Lahore. By 3:55 p.m. he had in his sights a new target – a group of police officers lazily manning a picket. The man drove straight towards them. His explosive-laden vest sent a loud, thundering growl thorough the city of 11 million. Over 20 people were killed that day, plus nine officers of the Lahore police.
