23 March 2004	Tuesday	01 Safar 1425

ISLAMABAD, March 22: Pakistan condemned on Monday the assassination of top Hamas leader and feared this act of Israel will pose serious threat to peace efforts in the Middle East.

"The incident would prove to be a serious blow to peace efforts in Middle East and inflame the wave of extremism," said Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.

Talking to reporters, he said, the whole Ummah was shocked as the incident could lead to hurdles in implementation of peace roadmap for Middle East. The minister said Pakistan had always supported the Palestinian cause and would continue to support it. -APP