Turkey condemns terror attack in Pakistan

By Meltem Bulur

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey on Friday condemned a terror attack that killed 22 people in an explosion in a market in northwestern Pakistan.

In a statement, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said: “We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist act targeting the peace and stability of Pakistan, wish God’s mercy on those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the wounded, and convey our condolences to the Government and brotherly people of Pakistan.”

The ministry added: “We reiterate our belief that Pakistan will succeed in its fight against terrorism and we will continue to support Pakistan in this fight.”

The blast hit a busy market in the far-flung town of Parachinar near the Afghan border, and killed 22 people as well as injured over 50 people.

There was no official word on the nature of the blast, but initial investigations have suggested that a bomb was planted in a car parked outside a Shia mosque in the town’s main market. However, a local parliamentarian, Sajid Hussain Tori, said it was the act of a suicide bomber.