ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack resulting in the sad demise of senior Kandahar security officials and causing injuries to many others.
Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the incident, saying the people and the security forces of Afghanistan have been paying a heavy price due to continued instability and threats from the enemies of peace.
“Pakistan stands by the government and the people of Afghanistan in their quest for lasting peace and stability,” he said in a statement.
“Peace in Afghanistan is critical to the regional peace and development.”
Khan noted that Pakistan suffered similar attacks during its own electoral process and they could feel the pain of the people of Afghanistan.
“Pakistan stands with the Afghan government and people and reiterates its support for the Afghan democratic process,” read a separate statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Office.
“We hope that the parliamentary elections, due to take place the day after tomorrow, would be held peacefully. Strengthening of democracy is key to long term peace and security in Afghanistan.”
The statement further read: “We also express our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and pray for swift recovery of the injured.”
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa also condemned the attack in Kandahar, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)
“Wish to see Afghan and other security forces succeeding to bring an end to this prolonged violence in Afghanistan,” the COAS was quoted as saying by Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, director general of the ISPR.
“Peace in Afghanistan is essential for peace in the region. Support all initiatives towards this end.”
