Terrorists kill innocent people as soft targets, says Pakistan PM

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that terrorists are killing innocent people as soft targets after they have been expelled from their hideouts.

The prime minister was addressing the nation a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed nearly 70 people, including women and children, at a public park in Lahore. More than 300 others were wounded in the deadly attack.

"Terrorists have been deprived of their hideouts, training camps and infrastructure and now their remnants are attacking soft targets like educational institutions, public places and recreation areas," Sharif said shortly after he cancelled a visit to the United States over the terrorist attack.

President Barrack Obama had invited Sharif to a nuclear summit being held in Washington later this month.

"I want to reiterate my commitment that terrorists would be made accountable for every drop of blood of martyrs," Sharif said in his address aired by the state TV.

Pakistan mourned the deaths of innocent people as world leaders condemned the attack and sent condolences to the Pakistani government and people.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group claimed responsibility. The group's spokesman said Christians were the target on Easter celebrations. However, police said over 40 among the dead were Muslims.

"Action against terrorists would continue till we made them accountable for the last drop of the blood," Sharif promised the nation.

He expressed the government's determination to firmly continue the great mission of transforming Pakistan into a cradle of peace, progress and prosperity.

The premier said he has given clear instructions to concerned institutions to bring terrorists and their facilitators to book wherever they are.

Sharif said the major offensive against the armed groups was launched to eliminate terrorists with full political backing and ownership of the people.

"The operation has achieved its major objectives but the mission would continue till complete eradication of terrorism from the country," he said.

Source: XINHUA