Iran Condemns Deadly Terrorist Attack in Pakistan

In a statement on Saturday, Bahram Qassemi offered his condolences to the Pakistani people and government as well as the bereaved families of victims of the terror incident.

“Terrorism is the most important security problem facing the region and the world,” he said, adding that it has indiscriminately targeted peace and security of countries and nations.

The Iranian spokesman further called for international cooperation and all-out efforts by regional and world countries to put an end to the phenomenon.

20 people were killed and 50 were wounded when a bomb struck a market in Pakistan’s tribal belt bordering Afghanistan on Saturday, Pakistani health and government officials said.

The bomb hit the crowded vegetable market in Parachinar city, the capital of Kurram tribal district on the Afghan border where officials said the death toll was expected to rise.

Government official Shahid Khan said explosion took place when the market crowded with retailers buying fruits and vegetables from a wholesale shop.

The blast was caused by an IED (improvised explosive device) which was hidden in a vegetable box.

Lashker-e-Jhangvi, a banned terrorist group that has attacked minority Shiite Muslims in the past, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The bombing took place in a predominantly Shiite area of Kurram, which has been attacked in the past by Sunni terrorists who have hideouts there.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the latest loss of life, his office said in a statement.

Shiite leader Faqir Hussain said all the bodies were brought to a Shiite mosque.

Parachinar is the capital of Kurram tribal region which has been the scene of high terrorist activities in the past years. Army carried out massive operation against terrorists here but they still have capacity to strike.