Pakistan condemns Kabul hotel attack

KABUL on Monday condemned the terrorist attack on a heavily-fortified hotel in the heart of Kabul, saying it was highly disturbing that attempts were being made to implicate Islamabad in the incident that claimed many lives.

Nine civilians, including an AFP journalist, were killed in the attack which was planned “outside the country”, the National Security Council (NSC) alleged in a statement.

It said a Pakistani diplomat was seen scoping out the corridors of the Serena hotel ahead of the March 20 night raid which was carried out by four teenage gunmen and claimed by the Taliban club, he filmed the corridors of the hotel which the hotel staff raised objections to,” it added.

The Pakistan foreign office spokesperson said, “We reject the insinuation. The tendency to immediately blame Pakistan is unhelpful and should be discarded.”
Tasnim Aslam said, “We are also surprised to see the Afghan Interior Ministry expressing concern over the recently-initiated dialogue process with TTP, even though the Afghan leadership, at the highest level, has been expressing its support for this initiative.”
As for the Afghan elections, Pakistan has repeatedly underlined its support for efforts to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
She said in the statement Pakistan remains committed to building a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan for constructive engagement.”

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