Pakistan has condemned the desecration of Al-Askari Shrine in Samara and the reprisal attacks in its aftermath on some other worship places on June 13, said a Pakistan Foreign Office statement. Pakistan is deeply concerned that such criminal attacks would inflame sectarian strife and undermine efforts aimed at national reconciliation and harmony, it said. "The people and Government of Pakistan are deeply dismayed at the desecration of Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra on June 13, which has immense spiritual importance for Muslims throughout the world. The statement said Pakistan condemns this second sacrilegious attack on the holy shrine following its desecration last year, as well as the reprisal attacks in its aftermath on some other places of worship. Pakistan urges all sides in Iraq to exercise restraint, eschew sectarian violence and treat all places of worship and holy shrines with due reverence in accordance with the tenets of Islam, the statement said.
