Pakistan Thursday condemned the assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in Tehran.

“We extend sincere condolences to the family members of Mr Fakhrizadeh and to the Iranian people,” said Foreign Office Spokesperson in a media release.

“Such acts not only run contrary to all norms of interstate relations and International Law but also threaten the peace and stability of an already fragile region. Pakistan strongly urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions in the region.”

The killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh -- whom Israel has dubbed the "father" of Iran's nuclear weapons programme -- has once more heightened tensions between Tehran and its foes, with President Hassan Rouhani accusing the Jewish state of acting as Washington's "mercenary".

Fakhrizadeh died on last Friday after being seriously wounded when assailants targeted his car and engaged in a gunfight with his bodyguards outside Tehran, according to Iran's defence ministry.