ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kabul, which killed 30 people and injured 52 others, warning of spoilers in the Afghanistan peace process.
Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri in a statement conveyed Pakistan’s heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for early and complete recovery of the injured.
The spokesperson cautioned that it was “important to be vigilant of spoilers who are working to undermine the Afghan peace process” at a time when the international community’s efforts were “moving forward”.
At this moment of grief, Pakistan stands by Afghan brethren in their struggle against the scourge of terrorism. He said Pakistan will continue to support Afghanistan on its path to peace, progress and prosperity, adding that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
A blast outside a school in the Afghan capital killed 30 people and wounded another 52 including students, the interior ministry said on Saturday.
Interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said, “Sadly, 25 martyrs and 52 wounded people have been evacuated to hospitals from the site. The casualties could rise,” he tweeted.
https://twitter.com/TariqArian3/status/1391029920260820993
The blast occurred in the west Kabul district of Dasht-e-Barchi as residents were out shopping ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr next week that marks the end of Ramadan. The neighborhood is populated largely by the Shia Hazaras.
Arian’s deputy Hamid Roshan said that an investigation had begun into what he said was a “terrorist attack”, adding that casualties included students.
Health ministry spokesman Dastagir Nazari said several ambulances had been rushed to the site and were evacuating the wounded. “People in the area are angry and have beaten a number of ambulance workers,” he said while talking to the media.
The European Union delegation in Afghanistan condemned what it said was a “despicable act of terrorism”.
“Targeting primarily students in a girls’ school makes this an attack on the future of Afghanistan. On young people determined to improve their country,” it said on Twitter.
The horrendous attack in Dasht-i Barchi area in Kabul, is an despicable act of terrorism. Targeting primarily students in a girls’ school, makes this an attack on the future of Afghanistan. On young people determined to improve their country. Our thoughts go to all affected.
— EUinAfghanistan (@EUinAfghanistan) May 8, 2021
