Iran condemns Islamabad suicide attack, calls for cooperation against terrorism

Alsharq Tribune-Ahmed Essam 

Iran condemned a suicide attack in Pakistan's capital that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 20, calling for regional cooperation to fight terrorism and extremism, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.

In a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed sympathy for Pakistan's government and people and reiterated that Iran opposes terrorism in all forms and for any motive.

The two parliamentary leaders also discussed expanding bilateral ties, following up on agreements from Ghalibaf's recent three-day visit to Pakistan, and continuing consultations between their parliamentary commissions and friendship groups.

Sadiq said Pakistan would combat terrorism and prevent any foreign interference in its internal affairs. He described Ghalibaf's recent visit as "effective" and expressed hope that regular parliamentary exchanges would continue.

Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation and maintain ongoing delegation exchanges.

The attack occurred outside the district courts in Islamabad. The banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed the attack, warning that it would carry out more such assaults in the future.