ISLAMABAD, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a deadly blast in Pakistani capital Islamabad has risen to 21, including 16 policemen, a local private TV reported on Monday.

Pakistani policemen rescue the wounded staff after a bomb explosion in Islamabad July 6, 2008. At least ten policemen were killed in a blast in front of a police station near the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque in Pakistani capital Islamabad on Sunday evening.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The explosion occurred on Sunday in front of a police station near the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, in downtown Islamabad. The blast, apparently targeted at police, has also left more than 40 injured, the private Geo TV said.

    The explosion occurred shortly after the conclusion of a gathering at Lal Masjid, which was held in connection with the death of Lal Masjid supporters who were killed in an operation a year ago.

    It was not clear where the blast is linked with the one-year anniversary of the army operation against the mosque.

    No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistani policemen rescue the wounded staff after a bomb explosion in Islamabad July 6, 2008. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    It is also alleged that the blast can be seen as revenge from the militant organization for the government's crackdown operation in northwestern Pakistan's tribal region.

    A joint investigation team, consisting of intelligence officials, had been constituted to probe into the attack.

    Pakistan has seen a fall of terrorist attacks in recent months, but violent attacks occur from time to time.

    On June 2, a car bomb was detonated outside Denmark's embassy in Islamabad, killing more than eight people.

Pakistani leaders condemn suicide blast in capital

    ISLAMABAD, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday strongly condemned a suicide attack happened earlier the day in the capital.

    Musharraf asked the authorities concerned to conduct a thorough inquiry into the blast to bring the culprits to justice and reiterated the government's commitment to root out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Full story