ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the latest spate of killings in Iraq and demanded that the sanctity of holy places and shrines in Najaf, Karbala and other places be respected.

Foreign office spokesman Masood Khan when asked to comment on the situation in Iraq, said: "Pakistan is deeply concerned over the latest spate of killings in Iraq." He said: "These killings must come to an end, sanctity of holy places and shrines in Najaf and Karbala and other places should be respected and Iraq should be steered towards peace, security and stability."

Violent confrontation between the occupation forces and Muqtada al-Sadr's militia has been witnessed in and around Najaf during the past nine days, claiming many lives. -APP