Asia

Asia

Iran condemns terror attack in Pakistan

05 September 2010 04:29 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a Shia Muslim rally in southwestern Pakistan that killed 73 people and wounded many others, APA reports quoting Press TV.

"The tragic event of the terrorist operation against Muslims in the Pakistani city of Quetta which killed many people once again revealed the hideous face of the enemies of Islam and humanity to the world," ISNA quoted Mehmanparast as saying on Saturday.

He stated that the attack on innocent defenseless people who rallied to peacefully express their solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine was a "big mistake" which clearly divulged the link between terrorist groups and the arrogant powers and their servility to Zionism, adding, "It removed the mask from the face of the real supporters of these terrorist groups."

Mehmanparast also expressed the condolences of the Iranian government and people to Pakistan over the terrorist action.

Seventy-three people were killed and over 150 injured by a bomb attack at a Shia Muslim rally in the southwestern city of Quetta on Friday.

The attack targeted the thousands of people attending the International Quds Day demonstration in Quetta, which was held in support of the Palestinian cause.

The attack was the second assault on Pakistani Shia Muslims in three days.

Three bombs went off in quick succession during a crowded mourning procession in the eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday.

Nearly 40 people were killed and 300 more were injured in the carnage. The attack targeted Shia Muslims holding a mourning ceremony over the anniversary of the martyrdom of the first Shia Imam, Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (PBUH).

Pro-Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for both the attacks, which also killed several children.

Several Shia religious gatherings have been targeted in different parts of Pakistan over the past few months.