Turkey strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Islamabad, the capital of friendly and brotherly Pakistan last night, in which, according to initial reports, Turkish citizen Sacide Ender Baskaya lost her life and many others were injured.

Turkey fully supports Pakistan, which is continuing its democratization with determination through the recent general elections, in its fight against terrorism and extremism. Turkey follows the terrorist attacks, which target the peace and stability of the Pakistani people with sadness and great concern.

Most recently, after the explosions in Lahore on 11 March 2008, President Abdullah Gul, called President Pervez Musharraf and conveyed his condolences and affirmed Turkey’s solidarity with Pakistan.

The Turkish citizen Sacide Ender Baskaya, who lost her life in last night’s attack, was a member of “Support to Life” (Hayata Destek), a Turkish non-governmental organization which engaged in humanitarian aid activities in Pakistan since the earthquake of 2005.

From the moment of the explosion, the situation was closely followed by our Ministry and the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad, and necessary steps were taken.

Also, President Pervez Musharraf called the Turkish Ambassador Engin Soysal and expressed his sorrow over the death of our citizen and requested his sympathies to be conveyed to President Abdullah Gul and to the Turkish people.

Turkey will continue with determination its support to and solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and extremism.

We deeply regret the loss of life of our citizen Sacide Ender Baskaya, while she was helping the people of Pakistan, as a result of the abhorrent attack by blood stained terrorists. We express our condolences to the Baskaya family, wish swift recovery to the injured and also convey our sympathies to the people of Pakistan.