Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Iran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack that took place at the martyrs’ cemetery of the provincial capital of Kerman, Iran, resulting in large number of deaths and injuries.

“We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the government and brotherly people of Iran in this hour of grief and tragedy,” said a press release issued by the foreign ministry on Wednesday.

“Pakistan believes that terrorism is a menace and threat to regional and global peace and security. It needs to be confronted through bilateral and regional cooperation,” it said.

Two explosions killed more than 100 people and wounded scores at a ceremony in Iran on Wednesday to commemorate top commander Qassem Soleimani who was killed by a US drone in 2020, Iranian officials said, blaming unspecified “terrorists”.

Iranian state television reported a first and then a second blast during a crowded anniversary event at the cemetery where Soleimani is buried in the southeastern city of Kerman.