Pakistan condemns terror attack in Istanbul's nightclub

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned the terror attack at a club in Istanbul in Turkey on New Year's eve and called for joint efforts on anti-terror fight.

"Pakistani people share the grief of Turkish people and stand by them, in this most painful time," Sharif said in a statement, adding that "terrorism is our common enemy and the world needs to put up a joint fight against this menace."

He said that Pakistan itself has suffered great losses of lives and property by terrorism and would continue to ensure all measures for its eradication.

A lone gunman sprayed bullets at the people celebrating new year at Istanbul's famous Reina nightclub late Saturday after killing a police officer. At least 39 people were confirmed dead, including both Turkish and foreign nationals.

The Foreign Ministry here in a separate statement said that Pakistan is "deeply anguished as terror and tragedy" have struck Turkey again.

"Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist attack that took place at a night club in Ortakoy area of Besiktas district in Istanbul," the statement said.

source: Xinhua