Mass Funeral Held for Victims of Pakistan Mosque Attack
VOA News
05 Jul 2003, 13:47 UTC
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is calling the terrorists responsible for Friday's deadly mosque attack a disgrace to Islam, as friends and family of the victims mourn the dead.
Mr. Musharraf said Saturday, after completing a tour of the United States and Europe that the suicide bombers are not only harming Pakistan, but also bringing a bad name to Islam. He said officials are investigating whether the attackers were from Afghanistan. Musharraf also vowed to bring those responsible for the mosque attack to justice.
His comments came as relatives gathered at a mass funeral in Quetta to mourn the victims. Shi'ite mourners beat their chests and wailed loudly at the funeral, while soldiers and police patrolled the area to prevent sectarian violence.
On Friday, three suicide bombers blew themselves up at Quetta's main Shi'ite mosque, killing at least 44 worshipers during prayers. No one has claimed responsibility, but Pakistani officials blame the bloodshed on sectarian rivalry between minority Shi'ites and majority Sunni Muslims. Hospital officials say the death toll could rise.
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