We have learned with great sorrow that according to initial reports at least 23 people were killed and 56 people were injured in a suicide attack perpetrated against the office of Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority in Mardan city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province today (29 December).

We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist act and convey our condolences to the people and Government of Pakistan. We wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives and hope for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

We believe that this attack, which took place at a time when the Government of Pakistan both strives to enhance stability within the country and contributes actively to the efforts to establish peace and stability in the region, will not erode the determination of the Government of Pakistan.

On this occasion, we reaffirm our readiness to provide every support to brotherly Pakistan in their ongoing fight against terrorism.