ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the bombing of the shrine of Imam Ali-al-Hadi and called on all concerned in Iraq to ensure safety and sanctity of holy places.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf, in a condolence message to Iraqi President Jalal Talbani, has condemned the tragic incident and expressed concern at the ensuing violence.

The president conveyed to his Iraqi counterpart on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan ‘deep shock and condemnation’ on the bombing of the shrine that caused severe damage to it. He said they were gravely concerned at the ensuing communal strife in which scores of mosques had been attacked and which had claimed a large number of lives, adding: “We sincerely hope that the spiralling tension and hostility is soon brought under control and calm is restored.”