Interim Afghan govt condemns suicide blast in Islamabad

KABUL: The interim Taliban government of Afghanistan has condemned the suicide blast that rocked Islamabad yesterday, calling the attack “regrettable” and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.

In an official statement, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemns such terrorist attacks and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The statement also extended condemnation to a recent explosion near the Red Fort in New Delhi, which claimed 10 lives.

The suicide blast outside the Islamabad G-11 courthouse killed 12 people and injured around 30 others.

The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation since yesterday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice and for a full investigation into the incident.

The United States, through its embassy in Islamabad, reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, expressing heartfelt sympathy for the affected families. The Chinese Embassy also condemned the attack, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The European Union, the Russian Embassy, the British High Commission, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, France, the Netherlands, Australia, Qatar, and Canada have all strongly condemned the attack. They expressed condolences to the victims’ families, reiterated support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, and called for justice for the perpetrators.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as a “tragic tragedy” and reiterated continued cooperation with Pakistan to promote regional peace and eliminate terrorism. The Russian Embassy expressed hope that the planners of the attack would be severely punished under the law.

BRITAIN ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR PAKISTAN

The British government has advised its citizens to avoid travel to the Pakistan-India border area, saying that citizens should avoid travel to occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Line of Control.

The travel advisory issued by the British government has directed High Commission staff in Islamabad to limit their movements as a precaution.

The British government has asked its citizens to follow the instructions of the authorities in Islamabad and stay informed of local media.