We have learnt with great sorrow about the demise of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, along with many other Pakistani citizens, as a result of a terrorist attack that took place today, right after an election rally organized by her party in Rawalpindi.

Similar terrorist attacks have also targeted election rallies organized by other political parties.

These heinous attacks undoubtedly aim at dragging Pakistan into chaos and instability. We firmly believe that, the people of Pakistan, by acting with common sense and reason, will not allow these terrorist acts to achieve their goals of destroying the democratization process and the basis for reconciliation in the country.

At the present stage, an important task and responsibility fall on the shoulders of all political powers in Pakistan. Despite their feelings of anger and fury, which is only natural, the joining of forces of all political groups, including first and foremost the Pakistan People’s Party, against our common enemies of terrorism and extremism is of vital importance and a priority for the well-being of Pakistan.

The struggle for a bright future for Pakistan of the late Benazir Bhutto, who dedicated her life to the people of Pakistan just like her late father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, should show the way to this unity of forces. The late Mrs. Bhutto’s self-denying efforts for the people of Pakistan will always be remembered with high appreciation.

Turkey, which considers terrorism as a crime against humanity regardless of its sources and pretexts, strongly condemns this abhorrent terrorist attack same as the previous ones.

Expecting that the perpetrators of these attacks will be captured without delay, we reiterate that Turkey will continue to support and contribute to the reinstatement of peace and stability in Pakistan through reconciliation.

While wishing God’s mercy on the late Mrs. Bhutto and the other deceased, we extend our condolences to the families of the victims of the attack, as well as the brotherly people and the Government of Pakistan, and wish for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.