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Pakistan strongly denounces rocket attacks in Kabul

Pakistan strongly denounces rocket attacks in Kabul
November 21, 2020

In a statement, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri conveyed Pakistan's heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for early and complete recovery of the injured.

He said we express our full solidarity and support for Afghanistan and its fraternal people.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at a time when international community’s efforts towards Afghan peace process are moving forward it is important to be vigilant against the spoilers who are working to undermine peace efforts.

The FO spokesperson reiterated Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Earlier, at least six people were killed and several injured in a series of loud explosions that shook central Kabul Saturday 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 14 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."