Iran Condemns Terrorist Blast, Consulate Attack in Pakistan

In a Friday statement, Bahram Qassemi expressed deep sorrow over the terrorist incident in Pakistan’s northwestern region of Orakzai, which left dozens of innocent people dead or wounded.

He also offered condolences to the Pakistani government and people as well as the victims’ families over the tragic incident.

A bomber drove his motorcycle into a festival at a crowded market in Orakzai, killing at least 25 people and injuring 35 others on Friday.

“It was a blast at the festival that is held every Friday,” said Abbas Khan, the assistant commissioner of the district.

Among the victims were three members of the minority Sikh community and two security officials.

The Iranian spokesman also denounced an attempt to attack the Chinese Consulate General in Pakistan’s Karachi.

He expressed pleasure that the attempt was aborted due to the vigilance and efforts of security forces and police, and that staff members at the diplomatic mission are in full health.

He once again stressed the necessity of serious and collective efforts by all countries to fight terrorism and anti-human moves by terrorist groups.

Three assailants strapped with explosives have attacked the Chinese consulate in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi, leaving two policemen dead.

The city’s police chief said the attackers were killed before entering the building early Friday.

An exchange of fire erupted between the guards and the gunmen, which also resulted in the “killing two of our constables and critically wounding another,” said senior local police official Javaid Alam Odho.