US condemns Pakistan suicide attack

WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday condemned the suicide attack at a mosque in Pakistan that targeted a former minister and close ally of President Pervez Musharraf and killed at least 54 people.

"Violence for political gain is never justified, and is even more disturbing during such a special holiday in the Islamic faith," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, upset that the bombing "killed and injured so many innocent people during the Eid al-Adha holiday."

"Terrorists continue to use violent tactics to foster fear and limit freedom," said McCormack. "Those responsible for the attack have demonstrated that they lack any compassion, humanity, or respect for faith."

Sherpao was reportedly unhurt in the attack, which hit as the mosque was crowded with Muslim faithful.

"We send our condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Pakistani people," McCormack said.

No body parts of attacker found from blast site: NWFP IG

PESHAWAR: NWFP Inspector General of Police Mohammed Shareef Virk Saturday said as many as 48 people lost their lives and over 114 others were injured in suicide attack in Sherpao area of Charsadda.

Talking to Geo News here, IG NWFP said at least seven to eight kilogram explosive material was used in the blast.

Responding a question, he said in such an intense blast, clues are normally not found from the explosion site; that is why, the body parts of the suicide attacker could not be determined.

Continuing he said, ‘However, the teams of various investigation institutions are present in Jamia Masjid of Sherpao village and the evidences are being collected.’

Mohammed Shareef said that a team led by Additional Inspector General Police Fayyaz Toor has been constituted to probe into the incident, vowing the team will soon submit its report to the government.

The inquiry team also comprises DIG Mardan Ghulam Mohammed, SSP Kashif Alam and members of bomb disposal squad.

NWFP Inspector General of Police Mohammed Shareef Virk confirmed that the blast was a suicide attack.