Pakistan condemns blast on Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders condemned an explosion on Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue Sunday that left at least six people dead and injured scores of others.

"I have learned with deep anguish about the explosion at Istiklal Avenue in the heart of Istanbul," Sharif said on Twitter. "(The) government and the people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Türkiye at the loss of precious lives and send prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and ex-Prime Minster Imran Khan also condemned the blast and expressed solidarity with Türkiye.

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the blast could be a suspected act of terrorism.