Iran condemns sectarian attacks against Pakistan Shiites

Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned the deadly sectarian attacks by hardliners against Shiite Muslims in northwest Pakistan.
In a statement, spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said that such acts committed by sectarian elements served ambitions of "forces outside the region".
"Such incidents and continuation of clashes are a cause of concern," he said in reference to clashes in Pakistan tribal town of Parachinar.
Officials said 40 people have been killed and more than 70 wounded in the fightings erupted after gunmen fired on a procession in Parachinar, about 250 km south-west of Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province.
Authorities on Friday imposed a curfew and troops started patrolling to restore order. Authorities have ordered shoot-at-sight if anyone violate curfew.
Hosseini expressed the hope that with the measures taken by the government of Pakistan and their enhancement, calm will be restored in the area and clashes will be curbed.
Courtey: IRNA