Obama calls Sharif to condole loss of lives in Lahore attack

Washington, Mar 31: US President Barack Obama on Thursday telephoned Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to express condolences over the "callous and appalling" terrorist attack in Lahore.

"Obama today spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan to express condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Lahore," the White House said in readout of the phone call.

"This callous and appalling attack against innocent civilians, many of them women and children, underscores the critical danger that terrorism poses inside Pakistan, throughout the region, and around the globe," the White House said.

During the phone call, Obama expressed his understanding of Sharif's decision to cancel his visit to the US and remain in Pakistan following this terrorist attack.

"The President reiterated the US commitment to partner with Pakistan to counter terrorism," the White House said.

Sharif, who was scheduled to attend the Nuclear Security Summit here this week cancelled his US trip following the terrorist attack that killed more than 70 people.

PTI