KARACHI, April 8: NWFP Chief Minister’s Advisor Ramzan Tauqeer on Sunday condemned sectarian violence in Parachinar and urged the federal government to take necessary steps so that such incidents did not recur.

Speaking at a press conference at Karachi Pres Club, Mr Tauqeer said that following the violent incidents during Muharram in Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan, the administration was informed to take necessary steps on 17 Rabiul Awwal. But the administration did not take sufficient precautionary measures and hence the tragic incidents occurred.

He said that such violent incidents had been planned by the enemy to shatter the exemplary feelings of tolerance, understanding, peaceful coexistence and love prevailing among the people of various sects in the country. He also demanded that compensation be paid to heirs of all the victims of violent incidents.

He said that the situation in the region was uncertain as the US and other Western countries were threatening Iran with attack. He said that such a situation was causing concern among the Pakistani masses, who shared brotherly relations with people of Iran.

He urged the government to play its role in defusing tension between Iran and Western countries, and not to extend any assistance in case Western countries attacked Iran.

He said that people of Pakistan, like their brothers from the Islamic ummah, would not only express their solidarity but would also extend support to their Iranian brothers in case of an attack.