Pakistan condemns Dhaka terrorist attack

Pakistan on Saturday condemned the "senseless terrorist attack" that left many persons killed and injured as about six to eight gunmen attacked a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and reportedly took 20 hostages.

Bangladeshi security forces on Saturday morning rescued some 13 hostages, killed six gunmen and caught one terrorist alive, ending a long drawn-out siege at a cafe in Dhaka, officials said.

The standoff between government forces and suspected Islamic State militants, which also left two policemen dead, began on Friday evening after heavily armed gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in the high-security Gulshan diplomatic zone.

"The government and the people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the brotherly people and government of Bangladesh over the loss of innocent lives and wish the injured early recovery," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.

"Pakistan stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is confident that Bangladesh government will effectively counter this cowardly attack," the official added.

The spokesman also said the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka has informed the Foreign Ministry that all embassy staff was safe.

--IANS

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