ISLAMABAD: US President Barack Obama telephoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday and expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives in Lahore blast earlier this week, Radio Pakistan reported.

The US president assured every possible cooperation to Pakistan in eliminating the menace of terrorism.

“Pakistan has made significant progress in war against terrorism under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif,” Obama was quoted as saying.

Obama expressed hope that Pakistan will succeed in its war against terrorism.

He was of the view that the goal of terrorists is to “weaken our faith” and lead people to strike out against those who look or pray differently.

Nawaz told Obama that the people’s resolve to fight terrorism is getting stronger with each passing day.

He said the enemy is targeting innocent people after the military destroyed their infrastructure and sanctuaries across the country.

At least 72 people were killed in a suicide blast that took place in Lahore's crowded Gulshan-i-Iqbal park on Sunday evening. Around 300 others were injured.

Following the attack, the army and Rangers announced to conduct a widespread operation across Punjab to target militants, their facilitators and their hideouts.

The decision was taken during a high-level military huddle, chaired by Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters.