Eleven die as bombers target market and police station.

TWO explosions at a busy Pakistan market and a police checkpoint killed at least 11 people and wounded scores of others yesterday.

The latest violence in Peshawar, the largest city near the lawless tribal region near the Afghan border, will further test the government's resolve to take on militants whose grip on parts of the country has strengthened this year.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack on security forces yesterday in the eastern city of Lahore. Bombs mounted on motorbikes tore off walls and shattered windows in a row of small shops in Peshawar's Qissa Khawani bazaar.

Police said at least six people were killed. A doctor at a nearby hospital said 80 people wounded in the blast had been taken in, many with critical injuries.

Commando units rushed to the scene and began a gun battle with suspected militants in a nearby building. Two gunmen were shot dead and at least one other was arrested.

As the gunfight was under way, a suspected suicide bomber blew up a police checkpoint on the outskirts of the city, killing four officers..

CAPTION(S):

Pakistani people gather at the blast site, at Qissa Khawani bazaar, in Peshawar Picture: MOHAMMAD SAJJAD