Pakistan condoles with Turkey over factory blast

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan on Tuesday condoled with Turkey over the loss of lives in a recent explosion at a fireworks factory in Sakarya province.

"The government and people of Pakistan would like to convey their heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Turkey on the loss of lives and injuries," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Aisha Farooqui said in a statement.

The explosion on Friday left seven people dead and at least 117 injured.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy and their families. We also pray for the quickest recovery of the injured," she said. "As always we share the pain of our Turkish brothers and sisters and stand by them in this hour of grief."

Four people allegedly responsible for the factory’s operations and worker safety have been arrested, and charged for involuntary manslaughter.