ISLAMABAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on Monday strongly condemned the suicide bomb blast in Punjab province which left at least 17 people dead.

    Around 220 people were present at the residence of member of National Assembly Rasheed Akbar Khan Nawani in Bhakkar of Punjab province when a suicide blast took place, according to private DAWN NEWS TV channel.

    As a result, 17 people were killed and one dozen were injured.

    Zardari said in a message that such heinous incidents could not deter the government's resolve to fight against terrorism. He said the present government was committed to wipe out the scourge of terrorism, according to official Associated Press of Pakistan.

    This is the second suicide blast targeting political leaders within one week.

    The guest house of Asfandyar Wali Khan, leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), was also hit by a suicide blast last Thursday and at least four people were killed in the attack.

    Zardari and Gillani held a three-hour meeting at the President's House on Sunday and they approved a security plan for political and religious leaders.