Pakistan Closes All Schools After Bombings

Taliban promises more violence unless army halts offensive
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 21, 2009 10:10 AM CDT
Pakistan Closes All Schools After Bombings
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand guard outside Karachi University, which was closed after yesterday's twin suicide bombings on Islamabad's International Islamic University, Oct. 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

Pakistan closed all of its schools today, following the twin suicide attacks on the International Islamic University in Islamabad yesterday. Four were killed and another 18 wounded, and the Taliban has promised more bombings if Pakistan doesn’t halt its military offensive in South Waziristan’s tribal areas. Pakistan’s interior minister said the country is now in a state of war.

The closure is indefinite, according to a BBC correspondent, but could end next week if security improves. “Students are terrified, and they’re afraid to go out,” says one student. “Roads are almost empty and people are staying home.” (More Pakistan stories.)

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