By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA

Turkey on Thursday condemned a suicide bombing in Pakistan that left nine people dead and 20 injured.

"We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack. We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, a speedy recovery to the wounded and convey our condolences to the friendly government and brotherly people of Pakistan," the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

At least nine people were killed, including five police officers, when a lone bomber blew himself up Wednesday at a checkpoint guarding the headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat movement in the town of Raiwand on the outskirts of Lahore city, Lahore police chief Haider Ashraf told reporters.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella organization of various militant groups in the country, claimed responsibility for the attack.