Iran condemns terrorist attack on Pakistani Christians

Tehran, March 16, IRNA – Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Marzieh Afkham condemned a terrorist attack in Lahore which killed and injured a group of Pakistain Christians. Afkham said Islam is the faith of compassion, peace, and kindness and is strongly against terrorism. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran has always stressed on peaceful co-existence of people of different religious groups and believes that violence and radical groups always have an advesrse effect on stability, peace, and peaceful co-existence,' said the spokesperson. She expressed sympathy with the government and people of Pakistan, extended her deepest condolences to the victims of the attack and hoped that the souls of the victims will rest in eternal peace. At least 15 people were killed and more than 70 injured when two Taliban suicide bombers attacked churches in Lahore on Sunday, sparking mob violence in which two suspected militants died. The bombings occurred during prayers at two churches located around half a kilometre apart in the city's Youhanabad neighbourhood that is home to more than 100,000 Christians.