Pakistan condemns ‘dastardly’ terrorist attack in Iran

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned a dastardly terrorist attack that took place in the martyrs’ cemetery of the provincial capital of Kerman in Iran, resulting in large number of deaths and injuries.

Two explosions killed more than 100 people and wounded scores at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate top commander Qassem Soleimani who was killed by a US drone in 2020.

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.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a "harsh response" after the blasts. "The evil and criminal enemies of the Iranian nation once again created a disaster and martyred a large number of dear people in Kerman," said Khamenei in a statement.

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"This disaster will have a harsh response, God willing."

“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the government and brotherly people of Iran in this hour of grief and tragedy,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement.

Pakistan believed that terrorism was a menace and threat to regional and global peace and security that needed to be confronted through bilateral and regional cooperation, it was added.

“We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also expressed his deep grief over the huge loss of lives in the terrorist attacks.

Taking to X, the prime minister said that Pakistan condemned the heinous act and stood in solidarity with Iran.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian government and people at this difficult time,” he further said.