Pakistan Condemns Suicide Attack In N.Afghanistan

Islamabad, Oct 27, IRNA -- Pakistan has strongly condemned the suicide attack outside a mosque in Maymana city, Northern Afghanistan, a foreign ministry statement said on Friday. “The Government of Pakistan conveys its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Afghanistan on this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” it said. “Our two countries face the common threat of terrorism, and Pakistan is committed to work closely with Afghanistan to eliminate this scourge,” the statement further said. A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a mosque in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing 41 people and wounding at least 70, government and hospital officials said. The attack came as people were gathering at the mosque to celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday, said Jawid Didar, spokesman for the governor s office. Top provincial officials, including the governor and the police chief, were inside the building when the bomber set off his explosives outside, where a large crowd had gathered, Didar said. The officials were not hurt, but the casualties included police officers and soldiers, he said. It appeared to be the deadliest suicide attack in recent months./end