Mumbai attacks barbaric, says Pakistan

In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attacks in Mumbai and stressed the need for taking ‘strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism’.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani sought ‘concerted efforts’ to make the region a peaceful place to live in.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is in India on a four-day visit, said, “no civilised society can tolerate such barbaric incidents.”

“I am shocked and horrified at the Mumbai incidents,” he said. “I assure the Indian government of our complete cooperation and support,” he said, adding “We will have to join all our resources to fight the menace. The Joint Anti Terror Mechanism needs to be strengthened further. It needs to meet frequently.”

Qureshi, who held talks with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday, said he had stressed the need for greater linkages and connect between intelligence agencies so that they can share information to prevent such incidents.

Noting that India and Pakistan are both victims of terrorism, he said, “we will have to revisit our strategies for peace and security of the region.”

“We have to develop a better understanding. Let us not jump to conclusions, let us not go in for knee jerk reactions. The Samjhauta incident very clearly indicates that we have to be cautious in our expressions,” the Minister said in Chandigarh.