UPDATE 2 - Türkiye strongly condemns 'heinous act of terrorism' in Pakistan mosque

ADDS CONDEMNATION FROM PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER; CHANGES DEATH TOLL

By Diyar Guldogan and Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye on Monday strongly condemned "the heinous act of terrorism" in a mosque in northwestern Pakistan which left at least 59 people dead.

We are "deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries as a result of Monday's terrorist act targeting a mosque in northwestern Peshawar city," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Wishing God's mercy on those who lost their lives in the attack, Türkiye extended its "condolences to the friendly and brotherly Pakistan Government and its people and a speedy recovery to the injured."

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also condemned "the abhorrent terrorist attack targeting a mosque" and extended his condolences to Pakistan and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

The top diplomat said on Twitter that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of lives."

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin conveyed his condolences to friendly Pakistan and wished Allah's mercy on those who lost their lives in the "heinous terrorist attack" in Peshawar.

"Regardless of its origin or type, terrorism is a crime against humanity. We condemn this brutal attack and share Pakistan's pain," Kalin said on Twitter.

Parliament speaker Mustafa Sentop expressed his sorrow over the terrorist attack and solidarity with Pakistan.

"Terrorism continues to target the lives, homes and temples of innocent people all over the world, as well as peace and tranquility on earth.

"We reiterate our call for an impartial, sincere, determined and joint struggle against terrorism with the truth of 'the security of one person is the security of the whole world,'" Sentop said on Twitter.

At least 59 people, including police officers, were killed and over 150 injured after a suicide bomber blew himself up during midday prayers in a mosque in Peshawar, authorities and local media reported.

The Pakistani Taliban's parent organization, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.

Peshawar remained a hotbed of terrorist attacks over the past two decades, although the law and order situation has significantly improved during the last few years.

The last major attack in Peshawar took place last year, when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a Shia mosque, killing 63 people.