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Gunmen open fire in Pakistani
mosque, nine killed

Gunmen opened fire on Tuesday at a Shiite mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, killing at least nine people. This was the first major sectarian attack since President Pervez Musharraf announced a crackdown on fundamentalists in January.

"Three gunmen drove to the mosque and sprayed bullets at a group of Shiite worshippers in Shah-Najam mosque in Pir Wadahi area," police officer Nazir Ahmad told a news agency.

Concerned over the growing "sectarian terrorism" Musharraf called for an investigation into the incidence.

According to reports, Musharraf, however, said that the government would continue with its resolve to root out terrorism and curb extremism.

"Such ghastly acts," he said, "would only renew the resolve of the government and the people of Pakistan."

"Those responsible would be unearthed and given exemplary punishment," the military ruler said, directing the federal and provincial governments to swiftly conduct a joint investigation and submit a report immediately.

Agencies

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