Reactions to blast at Chinese-Afghan restaurant in Kabul 

KABUL (Pajhwok): China, Pakistan and several domestic political figures have condemned a blast in the capital Kabul. Beijing urged the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and said it supports joint efforts by Afghanistan and regional countries to combat terrorism.

The explosion occurred on Monday afternoon at around 3:00pm at a joint Chinese-Afghan restaurant in the Gulfroshi alley of the Shahr-i-Naw neighbourhood.

Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said at least six people were killed and more than 10 others wounded in the blast.

However, Emergency Surgical Centre said it received 20 people following the blast, seven of whom were dead on arrival.

The Islamic State (IS), also known as Daesh, later claimed responsibility for the blast, according to the reports.

One Chinese citizen was killed and five were injured in the explosion, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

He saidthat the Chinese side has made emergency representations to the Afghan side, urging it to make every effort to treat the injured.

Beijing also asked IEA to take further effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Afghanistan, conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice, Guo said.

Given the current security situation in Afghanistan, the Chinese foreign ministry again reminds Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling to the country in the near future, Guo said.

China strongly condemns and firmly opposes terrorism in all forms, and supports Afghanistan and regional countries in their joint efforts to combat terrorists and violent activities, he added.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the blast and expressed deep sorrow over the casualties. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and praised China’s role in Afghanistan’s development.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai wrote on his X account that he was deeply saddened by the casualties caused by the explosion, condemned the attack, expressed sympathy with the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to the wounded.

Former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah also denounced the attack, describing it as contrary to Islam, humanity and the will of the Afghan people and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

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