Turkey condemns terror attack in Lahore, Pakistan

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Wednesday condemned a terror attack near a Sufi shrine in the northeastern Pakistan.

“We are deeply saddened to hear that a terror attack targeting a police checkpoint at the entrance of a Sufi shrine in Lahore, capital of Punjab Province of Pakistan, resulted in many loss of lives including security officers and left many others wounded,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“We condemn this heinous terrorist attack perpetrated at a religious site and wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, speedy recovery to the wounded and convey our condolences to the friendly Government and the brotherly people of Pakistan,” it added.

Earlier, at least eight people, including five police personnel, were killed and 25 others injured in a suicide blast near a Sufi shrine in the northeastern city of Lahore.

The suspected bomber struck a police patrol van at a checkpoint outside the shrine of Sufi saint Data Gunj Bux, according to local broadcaster Dunya News.

In July 2010, some 24 people were killed in a suicide attack at the same shrine.