ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a military parade in Ahvaz city, Iran, which resulted in the loss of dozens of innocent lives.

In a statement, Foreign Of-f­ice’s spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said: “Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack on military parade in Ahvaz, Iran in which several lives were reportedly lost.”

The statement added: “Our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this heinous attack. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

The attack took place during a military parade at Ahvaz’s Quds, a place named after the holy city of Jerusalem.

The parade is held to mark the start of the Iran-Iraq war that broke out after the forces of then Iraqi president Saddam Hussain crossed the Iranian border on Sept 22, 1980 and occupied two of its bordering towns.

Meanwhile, former president and co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari condemned Saturday’s attack in Iran.

Mr Zardari said that terrorism was an evil that must be eliminated. He condoled with the government and people of Iran over the loss of lives. He prayed to Almighty Allah for early recovery of the injured.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2018