Bombing kills 24 at Afghan president’s rally

Published September 17, 2019
In this Sept 9 file photo, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaks during a ceremony to introduce the new chief of the intelligence service, in Kabul, Afghanistan. —  AP
In this Sept 9 file photo, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaks during a ceremony to introduce the new chief of the intelligence service, in Kabul, Afghanistan. — AP

A blast killed 24 people and injured 31 others near an election rally held by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in central Parwan province on Tuesday, a health official said.

“Women and children are among them and most of the victims seems to be the civilians. Ambulances are still operating, and the number of casualties may rise,” said Dr Abdul Qasim Sangin, head of the provincial hospital.

Dr Sangin at the Charakar hospital in northern Parwan province said another 31 people were wounded in the attack.

The president’s campaign spokesman Hamed Aziz said that Ghani was there but that he was safe and unharmed. Aziz said he would provide more details later.

Wahida Shahkar, spokeswoman for the provincial governor in Parwan, said the explosion happened while the rally was underway on Tuesday, at the entrance to the venue.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes as the country heads into presidential elections later this month despite relentless violence plaguing Afghanistan.

The Taliban have warned Afghans not to vote and said they would target polling stations and election campaigns.

US President Donald Trump abruptly called off talks to end American’s longest war last week, citing a recent Taliban attack in Kabul, the Afghan capital, that killed an American soldier.

Pakistan condemns attack

Pakistan strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" near the election rally in Parwan province, saying it supports Afghan efforts for restoring peace and stability in the country.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families while praying for early recovery of those injured in the attack," a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.

"Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan fully supports the Afghan efforts for restoring complete peace and stability in the country through strengthening of the democratic process in Afghanistan."


With additional reporting by Naveed Siddiqui in Islamabad.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...