Suicide bomber kills 33 outside bank in Afghanistan

JALALABAD: A suicide bomber killed at least 33 people and wounded 100 others in an attack Saturday outside a bank in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, according to officials.

“Thirty-three dead bodies and more than 100 wounded were brought to the hospital,” said Dr Najeebullah Kamawal, head of Nangarhar’s provincial hospital.

"The explosion happened outside a bank where government employees collect their monthly salaries," said Nangarhar provincial police chief Fazal Ahmad Shirzad.

Provincial government spokesman Ahmad Zia Abdulzai confirmed the attack and said dozens were killed and wounded.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied responsibility.—AFP

Pakistan condemns attack

In a message posted on micro-blogging website Twitter, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said it condemns the attack and extended its sympathies to the victims.

“Pakistan condemns the deadlly terrorist attack in Jalalabad this morning. There is no justification for targeting of innocent civilians,” said the foreign office in its tweet.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to families of victims. Pakistanis, themselves victims of terrorism, feel the pain of Afghan people

— SpokespersonMOFA (@ForeignOfficePk) April 18, 2015