TEHRAN (ISNA)- Iran condemned terrorist attack and hostage taking in Peshawar, Pakistan, which claimed the lives of dozens of Pakistani students.
“The action is totally inhuman and un-Islamic. Terrorism, extremism and endangering life of innocent people in any form and with any goal is condemned,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham.
She also stressed preserving peace and stability in Pakistan, and called for cooperation of regional countries and the international community to fight terrorism and extremism, boost solidarity of Pakistani religions and tribes to end violence and extremism in the country.
The death toll from a militant attack on an army-run school in Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has risen to around 140, and 122 others were injured.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when a group of pro-Taliban militants wearing military uniforms stormed the school in the city of Peshawar.
“The attack started with the gunmen entering the school in the morning hours and shooting at random,” said police officer Javed Khan.
There was also a huge blast inside the building. Hundreds of students and staff were present at the school when the attack began.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was revenge for the army’s continuing operation against militants in the North Waziristan tribal area which borders Afghanistan.
The Pakistani army runs 146 schools nationwide for the children of military personnel and civilians.
