Iran presses Pakistan as terror attack kills 42

A deadly suicide attack by a Pakistan-based terrorist group has prompted a top commander to pledge a crushing response while President Ahmadinejad presses Islamabad on the issue.

During a unity conference between Sunni and Shia tribal leaders in the borderline city of Pishin in Sistan-Baluchistan on Sunday, a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing at least 42 people, including raking commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The commander of the IRGC’s ground force, General Mohammad Pakpour, said the perpetrators will be dealt a crushing response.

President Ahmadinejad reacted to the attack and demanded Pakistan eradicate the terrorist group Jundullah, which has taken responsibility for the bombing.

“We have heard that certain officials in Pakistan cooperate with main agents of these terrorist attacks in eastern parts of the country. It is our right to ask (for extradition) of criminals,” Ahmadinejad said after a Cabinet session on Sunday night.

“Those who carry out such brutal attacks are unhappy with boosting confidence and coherence among Iranian officials and people.”

Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to protest against the terrorists’ use of Pakistani soil to conduct activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.