ISLAMABAD, Sept. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Pakistani leaders Saturday strongly condemned the act of terrorism in a Russian school and expressed shock over the killing of more than 100 people by hostage takers.

    "Pakistan strongly condemns the crime committed by the terrorists and is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism would be brought to justice soon," President Pervez Musharraf said in a message to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

    Musharraf said he was shocked by the killing of more than 100 people including children by hostage takers in North Ossetia School.

    Musharraf also extended heartfelt condolences to the Russian government and people and to the bereaved families.

    In a message to his Russian counterpart Mikhail Fradkov, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said: "Pakistan strongly condemns the barbaric crime committed by the hostage takers in which innocent children have died and hundreds of others have been injured."

    Aziz said he is confident that those responsible for the terrible tragedy would be brought to justice soon.

    "I have been shocked to learn about the killing of more than 100 people including children by militants in North Ossetia School," Aziz said.

    He also conveyed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Russian government and people.

    Russian security forces Friday stormed a school in Beslan in North Ossetia, where terrorists had held hundreds of pupils and their parents and teachers hostage since Wednesday.

    After a 10-hour fierce exchanges of gunfire, at least 320 people including 155 children and 26 terrorists were killed, Russian Deputy Prosecutor General Sergei Fridinsky said Saturday. Enditem