MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed condolences to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over a terrorist attack on a passenger train.

"Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic outcome of a terrorist attack on a passenger train in the Balochistan Province. We strongly condemn this cruel and cynical crime, which particularly claimed the lives of numerous women and children," Putin said in a message published on the Kremlin website.

The head of state commended the courage and high professionalism of the Pakistani service members and law enforcement officers whose decisive actions had enabled the saving of hundreds of lives.

The president also pointed out that Russia was ready to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in the fight against all forms of terrorism.

"Please convey my sympathy and support to the families of those killed and my wishes for a swift recovery to those injured by militants," Putin concluded.

On Tuesday, militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army captured about 450 passengers of a train traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan Province, to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The extremists detonated railway tracks and opened fire at the train. They also clashed with security officers on the train.