ISLAMABAD, May 30: President General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday condemned the act of terrorism that resulted in the death of renowned religious scholar Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai in Karachi.

The president directed the authorities concerned to carry out a thorough investigation and apprehend the terrorists responsible for this heinous act and award them exemplary punishment.

President Musharraf reiterated the government's firm resolve to fight terrorism and eliminate the menace. The president also appealed to the people to remain calm and patient and observe restraint in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has also expressed his profound grief over the brutal assassination of the scholar. He said the perpetrators of the ghastly crime shall be awarded exemplary punishment. The prime minister said that all efforts would be made to apprehend the culprits.