Iran condemns terrorist bombing in Pakistan

Tehran, Jan 31, IRNA - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Marzieh Afkham here on Saturday strongly condemned a terrorist bombing in Pakistan which killed and injured tens of Friday prayer worshippers. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she emphasized the importance of unity in the Muslim world. Latest reports say about 60 people have been killed and 50 injured in a bomb attack on a Shia mosque and religious center in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh. Local security officials said the attack occurred when people were performing Friday prayers in the town of Shikarpur, around 470 kilometers (300 miles) north of the port city of Karachi. Afkham underscored that the terrorist act is against Islam's religious teachings and human values. Emphasizing the need for confronting extremism and terrorist movements, she urged the regional countries to cooperate in combating extremism and terrorism and safeguarding unity among Muslims. A number of victims are still trapped under debris, after the roof of the mosque collapsed due to the intensive blast. Jundullah terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the recent attack, but pro-Taliban militants usually take responsibility for similar attacks in the violence-wracked country. This is also the latest deadly incident in a wave of violence against the Shia Muslim community in Pakistan. Pro-Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants have imposed an economic blockade against the Shia-dominated population areas across the volatile northwest. The frequent incidents have raised concerns among human rights groups, while moderate Pakistani Sunni groups have described the issue as a conspiracy against the country. Shia Muslims in Pakistan say the government must take decisive action against the forces involved in the targeted killings. They also accuse Islamabad of failing to provide security for the Muslim community.