PESHAWAR, May 24: Leaders of political parties and caretaker ministers on Friday condemned a suicide blast near a mosque and the adjacent madrassa in Peshawar and declared it an extremely cowardly act.

In a message, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf leader and nominee for the chief minister’s slot Pervez Khan Khattak expressed grief over the blast and sympathised with the affected families.

He said though his party had yet not come to power, it was taking terrorist activities seriously. He said the PTI government would leave no stone unturned to stop violence.“The caretaker provincial government should ensure security of the people at all costs and carry out all necessary measures in this respect,” he said.

Mr Khattak asked the administration of Lady Reading Hospital to ensure provision of the best possible medical care to the injured.

He said the PTI government would take suitable measures for peace in the province and work for creation of a social welfare society.

The nominee for the chief minister’s office said they would introduce such a system in which all the people would respect each other.

He said the next government would consult all stakeholders on restoration of peace, which was direly needed for progress.

Mr Khattak said dialogue was the only option to check terrorism.

In a statement, Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, too, condemned the Peshawar blast and expressed concern over deaths in it.

He prayed that Almighty Allah rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to cope with tragedy.

Provincial caretaker information minister Musarrat Qadeem said Islam was a religion of peace and didn’t allow its followers to kill innocent people.

She said those playing with the lives of the people would not succeed in their nefarious designs.

The minister directed the administration of Lady Reading Hospital to provide the best possible treatment cover to the injured.

Also, PTI provincial general secretary Shaukat Ali Yousafzai condemned the attack and said after coming to power in the province, PTI would resolve the problem of terrorism to a great extent. — Bureau Report