Pakistan Foreign Minister describes Mumbai terror strikes as barbaric

New Delhi, Nov.27 : Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today condemned the terror strikes in Mumbai that claimed the lives of about 100 people and injured over 200 more as barbaric, and reiterated that the menace should not be seen as a local or a regional phenomenon.

In a statement released by the Pakistan High Commission here, Qureshi said: "I was shocked and horrified to hear about the barbaric incident that took place last night in Mumbai.

condemn this tragic incident in the strongest possible terms.

My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I not only condemn this incident but offer support and cooperation of the people and Government of Pakistan to the Government and people of India in this difficult time.

We, in Pakistan, are dealing with terrorism on daily basis.

People of India know that we suffered similar attack in Islamabad at the Marriott Hotel recently.

So we understand their concern, anxiety and the shock and horror this attack has generated all over India."

"Terrorism is not a local or regional phenomenon.This is alobal phenomena and all civilized societies will have to join hands and pool in their resources to deal with this menace.

Pakistan is fully mobilized in dealing with militants and extremists in its tribal belt and Frontier Regions," he further said in his statement.

"In my talks with Indian Foreign Minister Mr. Mukherjee yesterday, I pointed out that both Pakistan and India are victims of terrorism and will have to further strengthen the joint anti terror mechanism to deal with this scourge.

also offered that there should be a direct contact and hotline established between the intelligence chiefs of the two countries, so that they can share information and cooperate with each other in a more effective manner," he said.

"We not only have to condemn this human tragedy in unequivocal terms, but have to react in a very measured, composed and determined manner. Pakistan offers complete support and cooperation to deal with this menace.

We have to collectively fight extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Qureshi said in his statement.

ANI