US offers help to probe Pak minister’s killing

Islamabad, August 17 

The US today offered help to probe the terrorist attack that killed Pakistan's Punjab province Home Minister at his ancestral home.

Condemning the attack, the US Embassy here said, "Such blatant disregard for human life is unacceptable and contrary to the aspirations of the Pakistani people for a secure, stable, and prosperous nation."

Home Minister Shuja Khanzada, 71, and a DSP were among 20 people killed when two suicide bombers attacked his political office yesterday in his native Shadi Khan village in Attock district, some 100 kms from capital city of Islamabad.

The US extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims. 

"We support Pakistan's determination to bring to justice those behind the attack and are prepared to provide assistance, if requested, to government authorities investigating this reprehensible act," the Embassy said in a statement said.

The embassy also said that the United States remains committed to the people of Pakistan and to the Pakistani government's efforts to fight terrorism. 

Meanwhile, the death toll in a brazen suicide attack today rose to 20.Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar reportedly claimed the responsibility of the attack. — PTI