Lahore gunmen 'calm and focused'

Local people say that the FIA building in Lahore has become a frequent militant target

By Mona Rana BBC Urdu, Lahore

Witnesses at the scene of Thursday's attack on the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) building in Pakistan's second city of Lahore, in which at least seven people died, say the gunmen were calm and focused.

They armed themselves in a lane near the offices and then walked out firing at the FIA compound.

"I was walking down the road to have breakfast with my friend," said Shaukat Ali. "All of a sudden, a neighbour yelled: 'Run! An attack is taking place!'

I was so close to death that I still cannot believe how I am alive Sub-inspector Javed Shabbir In pictures: Lahore police attacks Militant tactics stun Pakistan Eyewitness: Lahore attacks Why attack Lahore?

"I saw a man of mixed complexion with a light beard firing as he ran. He even fired on the mosque as he ran past."

Mr Ali said the man then ran into the FIA building. Shortly afterwards, the sound of firing and explosions filled the air.

"I saw two men I knew were not residents sitting in my street," said Mohammad Tufail.

"They had two big bags with them. I asked them if they were smoking hashish, and they replied affirmatively. I told them not to do that, and then went into my home.

"A little while later I heard the sound of firing outside. When I came out, I saw one of the men with the bags firing at the FIA building from the street corner."

Security check

Not far from the FIA building is a pile of rubble - the remains of the agency's former offices which were destroyed by a suicide car bombing in 2008.

RECENT MILITANT ATTACKS 15 October - Nearly 40 die in Lahore, Peshawar and Kohat 12 October - Security convoy attacked in Swat valley, 41 die 10 October - Militants attack Rawalpindi army HQ - 20 killed 9 Oct - At least 50 die in Peshawar suicide blast 5 Oct - Five die in suicide bomb at UN Islamabad offices 26 Sept - 16 die in suicide car bombs in Peshawar and Bannu

Since the attack, visitors have had to pass through a reception area and security check before they can enter the main building.

It was inside the reception that one of the attackers blew himself up, killing two police officials and several civilians.

One of the police officers carrying out the security checks said he was still in a state of shock after his narrow escape.

"I was so close to death that I still cannot believe how I am alive," Sub-inspector Javed Shabbir said.

"The attacker ran at us throwing grenades and firing indiscriminately. But the security personnel fired back preventing him from reaching the main building.

"He was hit and then blew himself up."

Local anger

Hassan Anwari, a lawyer who lives nearby, said he had seen two young men running very quickly.

Residents say security bases should not be in densely-populated areas

"Another young man of about 19 or 20 was running in the same direction," he said.

"He was firing a sub-machine gun and had a knapsack on his back. Fortunately though, none of those bystanders trying to escape were shot."

Following the attack, local residents said they had long complained about the location of the FIA building, as it had become a frequent target and endangered their families' lives.

"Everybody knows that the terrorists are targeting government installations," said Azmat Lodhi, another local lawyer.

"Their premises should not be located in such densely-populated areas. The offices must be relocated immediately."

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