Tehran, July 05: Iran's foreign ministry today condemned a suspected sectarian mosque attack in Pakistan as a "terrorist act", state news agency Irna reported.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply worried about the resurgence of terrorist activities in Pakistan. We expect the Pakistani government to identify and punish the perpetrators of this crime, and put an end to these activities, which serve only the enemies of Islam and Muslims," foreign ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said.
"All Islamic societies in Pakistan should be alert to
the real intentions of conspirators who aim to destabilize
the tolerance among religious groups."
Three terrorists, including two suicide bombers,
attacked a Muslim Shiite mosque in the southwestern city of
Quetta yesterday, killing at least 48.
The attack triggered violent unrest, forcing the Pakistani government to impose an indefinite curfew and deploy troops to quell the disturbance.
The city of nearly 1.5 million people remained under curfew for a second day today, with streets deserted except for military and paramilitary troops in machine-gun mounted
military trucks.
Officials said provincial and federal investigators
were investigating the incident.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali have vowed that the perpetrators will be pursued and brought to justice.
Bureau Report
