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Louise Thomas
Editor
Pakistanis lashed out at the US yesterday, blaming its alliance with their government and its presence in Afghanistan for spurring two suicide bombers to kill 42 people at the country's most important Sufi shrine.
The reactions showed the challenge facing Washington and Islamabad when it comes to rallying public support against the Islamist extremism that has scarred the country.
"America is killing Muslims in Afghanistan and in our tribal areas, and militants are attacking Pakistan to express anger against the government for supporting America," said Zahid Umar, 25, who frequently visits the shrine, where 180 people were wounded.
Pakistani officials condemned the bombings, and the US embassy also issued a statement condemning the attack.
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