ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has expressed his deep shock and grief over the murder of MNA Maulana Azam Tariq and his four bodyguards, who were killed by unknown assailants in Islamabad on Monday.

The prime minister, who is at present in the US on a state visit, in a condolence message, sympathized with the families of the victims and offered heartfelt condolences.

He also prayed that Allah Almighty rest their souls in eternal peace.

Strongly condemning the dastardly act, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to spare no efforts in apprehending the culprits and conduct an immediate probe into the incident.

The prime minister asked the people to remain calm and maintain unity in their ranks and foil the nefarious designs of the terrorists.

He expressed the government’s firm determination to root out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Senate chairman Mohammedmian Soomro and deputy chairman Khalilur Rehman have also expressed grief and sorrow over the death of MNA Maulana Azam Tariq and others in the firing incident.

In separate messages, they offered heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved families.

National Assembly speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain and deputy speaker Sardar Mohammad Yaqub have condemned firing incident in Islamabad, which resulted in killing of five persons including Maulana Azam Tariq.

The speaker and deputy speaker said those responsible for the incident had neither served Islam nor Pakistan.