Turkish leaders condemn suicide blast in Pakistan

A suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded park in Lahore on Sunday evening, killing at least 69 people and injuring 300 others, according to Salman Rafiq, health minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province.

"I strongly condemn the terror attack that happened in the Lahore city of Pakistan," said Erdogan in a written statement issued by the presidency.

According to police, the bomber detonated his explosive-laden vest in a crowded area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, located in a northern district of Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city and the regional capital of Punjab province.

"The attack, which took place at an amusement park packed with families, especially children, has revealed terror's face, which does not know limits and values," said Erdogan. "This attack is an examination for all countries to provide their sincere stance in the face of terror.”

Erdogan offered his condolences to families of victims, his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also condemned the suicide blast in the Pakistani city of Lahore, which killed dozens of people and injured hundreds others.

According to prime ministerial sources, Davutoglu sent condolence messages to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif late Sunday.

"Our country will resolutely continue to be in solidarity with brotherly Pakistan in its fight against terrorism," the Turkish premier said in his message.

Davutoglu also wished God's mercy on those who lost their lives, offered his condolences to the Pakistani people and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Jamaatul Ahrar, a group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for Sunday’s bombing in a statement late Sunday.

Anadolu Agency