ISLAMABAD, Sept 4: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have condemned the act of terrorism in a Russian school and expressed shock over the killing of more than 200 people, including children by hostage takers.

"Pakistan strongly condemns the crime committed by terrorists and is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will be brought to justice soon," a message from President Musharraf to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin quoted him as saying.

President Musharraf said he was shocked on hearing about the killings in North Ossetia School.

"Let me assure you, once again, that we stand together with you in the global war against international terrorism," he said.

On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan as well as on his own behalf, the president extended condolences to the Government and the people of the Russian Federation and to the bereaved families.

In a separate message to his Russian counterpart Mikhail Fradkov, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said: "Pakistan strongly condemns the barbaric crime committed by the hostage takers in which innocent children have died and hundreds of others have been injured."

Mr Aziz said he was confident that those responsible for this terrible tragedy would be brought to justice soon.

"I have been shocked to learn about the killing of more than 100 people including children by militants in North Ossetia School," he said.

The prime minister conveyed heartfelt sympathies and condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan to the government and the people of the Russian Federation.-APP