OREANDA-NEWS  Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and expressed his condolences over the terrorist attack in Islamabad. The text of the statement is published on the Kremlin's website.

"Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the tragic consequences of the terrorist act committed in Islamabad (...). I would like to confirm the readiness of the Russian side to further enhance cooperation with Pakistani partners in the anti—terrorist area," the Russian leader said.

Putin stressed that the attack on people during a religious ceremony was "another evidence of the barbaric, inhuman nature of terrorism." The Head of State also asked the Pakistani authorities to convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims of the incident, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

Earlier in Islamabad, an armed man opened fire at the gates of a mosque during Friday prayers, and then detonated an explosive device. More than 30 people were victims of the terrorist attack, 170 people were injured.