Pakistan condemns rocket attack in Kabul

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned the rocket attack at Kabul city that have resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to many.

“We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives and pray for the early and complete recovery of the injured,” Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said in a statement.

He said at a time when the international community’s efforts towards the Afghan peace process were moving forward, it was important to be vigilant against the spoilers who were working to undermine the peace efforts.

“Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We express our full solidarity and support for Afghanistan and its fraternal people,” the spokesperson added.

At least eight people were killed and 31 more wounded in a series of loud explosions that shook central Kabul today morning.

The explosions are believed to have been caused by more than a dozen rockets fired from different locations. Several rockets also landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone, where many embassies and international firms are based, officials said.

The explosions occurred in densely populated parts of the Afghan capital.

Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz confirmed that “multiple rockets” had been fired, while photos on social media appeared to show damage to an external wall of a large medical complex.

Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said in a statement a total of 23 rockets were fired in the attacks.

No group immediately claimed the blasts and the Taliban denied responsibility.

Recent big attacks in Kabul, including two horrific assaults on educational institutions that killed nearly 50 people in recent weeks, follow a familiar pattern in the aftermath, with the Taliban denying any involvement while the Afghan government pins the blame on them or their proxies.

"The rocket attack in Kabul city has nothing to do with the mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, using the insurgents' name for Afghanistan.

"We do not blindly fire on public places."

He said the US will continue to work with Afghanistan to prevent such attacks.

Iranian, Turkish and British embassies  issue statements

The Iranian Embassy in Kabul issued a statement saying a rocket landed inside the premises of the Iranian embassy. It read that some windows and other facilities had been damaged, but everyone in the office was safe.

The British Embassy said those who target innocent citizens must be held accountable. They expressed their support for the Afghan people.

The Turkish Embassy, too, issued a statement condemning the rocket attack.

Pakistan condemns Kabul rocket attack

Pakistan, too, condemned the attack in Afghan capital Kabul.

At a time when the international community's efforts towards the Afghan peace process are moving forward, it is important to be vigilant against the spoilers who are working to undermine the peace efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued shortly after the explosions.

"We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives and pray for the early and complete recovery of the injured," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement said that Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

"We express our full solidarity and support for Afghanistan and its fraternal people," the statement added.

— With additional input from AFP.