Two synchronized, remote-controlled bombs ripped through a market popular with women in east Pakistani city of Lahore on Monday.

The explosion and the ensuing fire killed at least 36 people. About 100 people were also wounded in the attacks.

The explosions were apparently timed to take place when the Moon Market was at its busiest. The bombs exploded at both ends of the market, within 30 seconds of each other.

They left dozens of cars and shops ablaze late into the night. Many of victims were women and children. The pair of explosions came hours after a suicide bomber killed 10 outside a courthouse in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

Militant strikes have been frequent over the last several weeks. They are responding to an army offensive against a Taliban stronghold in the northwest close to the Afghan border.