ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali and Vice Chairman of Pakistan Bar Council Dr Farogh Naseem have strongly condemned the bomb blast at the District Courts, Mardan. Around 13 innocent persons, including three lawyers and two police officials, were martyred and more than 60 sustained injuries.

The chief justice offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of injured people.

The vice chairman PBC appealed to the lawyers all over the country to observe strike today (Saturday). The lawyers will hold protest meetings in their bar rooms and wear black bands to condemn the tragic incident.

The PBC has deplored the utter failure of the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments in maintaining law and order situation in the province and to provide security and safety to the people. It demanded the government to arrest culprits and bring them to book at the earliest. While expressing solidarity with bereaved families, on behalf of the legal fraternity, they stressed the need for evolving foolproof practical strategy and plan to improve law and order situation in and around Courts throughout Pakistan ensuring safety and security of the judges, lawyers and litigants.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan yesterday strongly condemned Mardan blast that resulted into loss of precious lives while injuring others.

In his message, the interior minister expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, the minister also congratulated security forces for their prompt response in foiling terrorists attack on Christian Colony near Warsak Dam at the outskirts of Peshawar. He has called for report from Inspector General (IG) FC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The minister also directed National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to obtain fingerprints of the terrorists for their identification.