The United States offered to help Pakistan probe the circumstances surrounding bomb blasts that killed at least 138 people.
WASHINGTON:The United States on Friday offered to help Pakistan probe the circumstances surrounding bomb blasts that killed at least 138 people during ex-premier Benazir Bhutto's homecoming parade.
Bhutto was unhurt in Thursday night's attack, having climbed into her specially fortified vehicle just moments before two explosions ripped through crowds welcoming her back to Karachi after eight years in exile.
US ambassador to Pakistan Anne Peterson telephoned Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Friday to "provide any support that Pakistan might need as it proceeds with its efforts to investigate this incident," said Tom Casey, a State Department spokesman.
"There have not been any specific request made at this time but again we would stand ready to support them if they needed it," he said.
Peterson also expressed US concerns and condemnation over the attack, he said.
The United States, which sees Pakistan as a key ally in its "war on terror," has led a global outcry following the deadly blasts.
On concerns over Bhutto's security, Casey said the blast "appears to be a deliberate attack aimed at her and her party.
"Who is responsible for that and what the circumstances are is something that needs to be investigated. I understand that Pakistani authorities will do so," he said.
It was premature, he said, to pinpoint any group for staging the attack.
"I don't think we have particular belief at this point that we can really talk about in terms of who we would put responsibility for this incident," he said.
Bhutto pledged to defy "cowards" from Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other militant groups who had vowed to launch suicide attacks against her before she flew home from Dubai.
While admitting Islamist extremists were likely responsible for the attack itself, Bhutto stressed such groups could not operate without logistical support from people in positions of power.
The explosions - a grenade followed by a suicide blast - came hours after Bhutto had flown home, sobbing as she set foot on Pakistani soil for the first time since 1999, having shrugged off warnings of militant attacks.
Military ruler Pervez Musharraf called Bhutto to 'convey his deepest sorrow over the terrorist attack' and pledged to arrest the culprits, a presidential spokesman, retired Major General Rashid Qureshi, said.
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