WASHINGTON: The Uni­ted States has restated its desire to work with Pakistan and other partners in South Asia to defeat terrorism, noting that the latest attack on a shrine that left more than 85 people dead was linked to a series of similar attacks carried out this week.

Thursday’s terrorist attack on the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shocked the Pakistani community in the United States as well who urged the government to target all terrorist groups, in or outside Pakistan.

“We will continue to work with the government of Pak­is­­tan and our partners across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,” said US State Department’s acting spo­­­kesman Mark Toner while underlining the need for a regional approach to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.

“We stand with the people of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism and remain committed to the security of the South Asia region,” he added. The US official noted that Thursday’s attack targeted peaceful worshippers at one of the country’s most revered Sufi shrines.

“We extend our condolences to the victims and their families and wish a full recovery for all of those injured. We also offer our support to the government of Pakistan as it works to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2017