Iran condemns terror attack in Pakistan

Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned a terrorist bomb blast that killed several Shiite Muslims in Pakistan.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns acts of terrorism targeting innocent people and regards it as violation of the teachings of Islam and humanitarian values,” Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Monday.

She also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished aspeedy recovery of those who were injured.

Afkham said such terrorist incidents clearly play into the hands of the enemies of the Pakistani nation and the Islamic community.

“Undoubtedly, the Pakistani Muslim government and nation will vigilantly foil plots aimed at causing division and insecurity,” she added.

At least eight people were killed and several others wounded after a bomb blast ripped through a Hussainia (a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies) in Rawalpindi on Friday.

Thousands of Pakistani Shiite Muslims have been killed in targeted attacks by extremist groups in recent years.

International human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have slammed the Pakistani government’s failure to stop killings and other abuses against minority Hazara and other Shiite Muslims.