WASHINGTON, Jan 10: The White House on Thursday condemned the Lahore blast and termed it an attempt to subvert the Feb 18 elections.

“We condemn this act of violence and any attempts to subvert the democratic process in Pakistan prior to elections,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Katherine Starr. The council is part of the White House establishment.

At the State Department, deputy spokesman Tom Casey urged Pakistanis not to allow terrorists to undermine the democratic process.

“This is a terrible, tragic act of terrorism. We condemn it,” said Mr Casey.

“We’re going to continue to work with the government of Pakistan, as well as with all the major political parties there, to be able to help move forward the process of Pakistan’s democracy, particularly as we look toward elections in February.”

Mr Casey said the US believes that it’s “critical to Pakistan’s future that it develops as a peaceful, moderate, Islamic democracy”.

Commenting on the Lahore blast, analysts appearing on various US television channels warned that such acts could create an environment which may allow the government to postpone the elections once again.

TV commentators also noted that the violence has fuelled international fears for the stability of the nuclear-armed state.