Pakistan condemns UK bombs, concerned about diaspora

ISLAMABAD, July 2 (Reuters) Islamabad condemned today attempts to launch bomb attacks in Britain and said it was concerned about the safety of people of Pakistani origin there after reports of anti-Pakistani sentiment.

People of Pakistani origin have been linked to some previous bomb attacks and plots in Britain.

British police have yet to give details of seven suspects detained in connection with two car bombs discovered in London on Friday and the ramming of a fuel-packed jeep into Glasgow airport's terminal building on Saturday.

''We condemn these intended terrorist attacks. We are not aware of any details as far as the origin of those who were planning to carry out these attacks,'' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told a news briefing.

Asked about reports of anti-Pakistani slogans daubed on a wall in Glasgow, Aslam said Pakistan was concerned but was confident Britain would ensure the safety of people living there.

''We feel concerned, of course, about safety and security of Pakistanis and people of Pakistani origin if there are threats to them, if there are racial slurs, if they are being harassed.'' ''We are sure that the British government is taking all necessary steps to ensure security and safety of their citizens and people who are residents there,'' she said.

She also said she believed there had been enough bonding between people of Pakistani origin and other people in Britain to overcome any problem ''that may take place at the behest of some fringe elements''.

There are about 750,000 people of Pakistani origin in Britain.

Reuters RN GC2020