Protect lives of religious minorities: US to Pak

They condemned the killing of at least 25 Shia pilgrims in Baluchistan on Sunday night

Condemning the killing of 25 Shia pilgrims in Balochistan, the US has asked Pakistan to take steps to protect the lives of its religious minorities.

"We encourage the government to take steps to protect and improve the lives of members of Pakistan's minorities and take concrete steps to promote tolerance and religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said yesterday.

In a statement, she condemned the killing of at least 25 Shia pilgrims in Baluchistan on Sunday night. In the past also such attacks have killed dozens and injured scores of pilgrims.

"Regrettably, the Pakistani people face violent assaults from numerous groups. On the same day as the airport attack, Shia pilgrims were murdered in Balochistan, the latest innocent victims of sectarian violence," she said.

"The United States also sends its sincere condolences to those affected by this heinous attack and strongly condemns those responsible. Extremist violence against innocent Pakistani men, women, and children of any faith is an assault on universal human values," Psaki said.