The senior Iraqi jurist, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Sistani has condemned the violent tribal clashes in Pakistan urging Islamabad to protect the Shia community in the country.

The message by the prominent cleric came after the deadly tribal clashes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province left over 40 people dead and several others injured, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

Part of the message by the Shia cleric reads,” Once again the extremist terrorists committed a heinous crime attacking a passenger van on route to Parachinar leading to martyrdom and injury of several Muslim civilians.”

“The seminary of Najaf and top-ranking Iraqi jurists condemn the heinous crime that targeted unity among Muslims and demand the Pakistani government to take measures against the injustice and crimes committed by terrorist groups”, said the statement.

Ayatollah Sistani called for preventive measures in face of the extremist groups and prevent any aggression or violence against Muslims.

Ayatollah Sistani also expressed sympathy with the bereaved families of the victims in this incident.

At least 45 people were killed and 16 others injured in fresh tribal clashes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local officials said.

The clashes in the Kurram district, near the Afghan border, erupted late Friday following an attack on passenger vans by unidentified assailants on Thursday.