Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & NATO slam Kabul attack

KABUL and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have condemned Thursday’s deadly suicide attack in Kabul.

At 14 people were killed and as many others wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a wedding hall in Lab-i-Jar area in the 4^th police district.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the suicide attack that resulted in the killing and injuring of a number of people, and offered condolences to the victims’ families, the Afghan government and people.

In a statement, the ministry wished the wounded a speedy recovery and reaffirming the kingdom's support for the friendly people of Afghanistan against extremism and terrorism.

Pakistan also strongly denounced the bomb attack. “We are deeply grieved at the loss of precious lives in this dastardly terrorist attack,” the Foreign Office said.

“We express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” a statement from the ministry said.

Pakistan reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Afghanistan in their fight against terrorism.

“We particularly feel the pain as a country that has suffered from terrorism. We believe concerted efforts by states, and close cooperation among them is important for eliminating this menace,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, NATO called the terrorist attack against the political gathering totally unacceptable. The NATO civilian representative office offered its condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also slammed the bombing as a cowardly terrorist act.

While expressing solidarity with Afghanistan, it called on the international community to unite to root out terrorism that threatened the security and stability of all countries.

The ministry also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of Afghanistan and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.

jhk/mud