Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday vowed to take strict action against terrorist elements, saying that they could neither terrify the nation nor hamper the development process in the country.

Aziz made the remarks one day after a suicide bomber blew himself up in an apparent attempt to kill Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao Saturday evening. Sherpao survived the attack but sustained injuries on his legs from flying shrapnel and pellets.

At least 28 people were killed and over 40 others injured in the suicide bombing in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

Aziz said that terrorist attacks did not benefit anyone but claim the lives of innocent people. He said that such incidents would "strengthen our resolve to maintain peace and tranquility in the country".

He said the federal government was investigating into the incident and the NWFP government, which is responsible to maintain the law and order situation, was also looking into the matter.

Aziz appealed to the nation to forge unity among their ranks and cooperate with the government to unveil the terrorist elements to continue the march towards progress and prosperity and maintaining peace in Pakistan.

Editor: Donald