WASHINGTON, Oct 10: The United States has said that it strongly supports Pakistan's efforts to end sectarian violence in the country.

In a statement, the State Department said the bombing in Multan earlier this week that resulted in the death of 40 people was particularly despicable.

We support the government of Pakistan's efforts to restore calm and to bring an end to sectarian violence and extremism of all kinds. There can be no justification for extending or expanding this cycle of bloodshed, the statement said.

Extending its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the State Department said: "Attacking mourners during a condolence ceremony is a particularly despicable and cowardly act."