BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday, condemned the suicideattack on a political rally Mastung that claimed the life of 128 people andinjured more than 150, one of the deadliest attacks in the country’shistory.

The chancellor assured Pakistan that Germany stands with the country in itsfight against terrorism.

In a telegram sent to caretaker prime minister Nasir-ul-Mulk, thechancellor conveyed Germany’s heartfelt condolences towards the victims’families and those wounded.

“I was deeply shocked by the news of the terrible terrorist attack on anelection campaign event in the province of Baluchistan. I strongly condemnthis cowardly attack that has claimed so many victims. Be assured thatGermany stands by your side in the fight against terrorism. Please conveyour heartfelt condolences and our wishes for recovery to the relatives ofthe victims and the injured,” the message read.

Furthermore, the German foreign office called the attack, “an attack on theelections and the democratic process in Pakistan.”

“We condemn the cowardly terrorist attacks on election campaigns in thePakistani provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the strongestterms. Our sympathy goes to the relatives of the victims. We wish thehealing of injured people quick and complete recovery. The inhumane attackwas an attack on the elections and the democratic process in Pakistan,” thestatement read.

“This terror must not reach this goal. We call on political actors inPakistan to do their utmost to ensure the peaceful, fair and transparentconduct of elections.”