02 September 2004	Thursday	16 Rajab 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 1: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the execution of 12 Nepalese by their kidnappers in Iraq as 'horrendous', while expressing regret that a mob had attacked its airline office in Kathmandu.

"The government and the people of Pakistan strongly condemn the horrendous killings of 12 Nepalese workers in Iraq," foreign office spokesman Masood Khan said. Pakistan understands the 'agony and pain' felt by the people of Nepal, as recently it passed through a similar 'traumatic experience' when two Pakistanis were also brutally murdered in Iraq by kidnappers, he said.

However, he said, an attack by demonstrators on the Pakistan International Airlines office in Kathmandu 'is really regrettable,' the spokesman said. "There is no justification for that. This is misdirected anger."

The FO spokesman said: "We have called upon the Nepalese government to provide full security and protection to Pakistan's diplomatic, official and private personnel and premises."

The Nepalese foreign ministry has "regretted the incident and has assured us that it is taking necessary measures to ensure safety and security of Pakistani nationals," he said. -AFP

PIA flights cancelled

KARACHI, Sept 1: The Pakistan International Airlines announced on Wednesday cancellation of its flights PK-268 and PK-269 to and from Kathmandu on Thursday due to worsening law and order situation in the Nepalese capital.