Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned an early morning attack on a military parade in Afghanistan, targeting President Hamid Karzai and prominent members of his cabinet. "On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I strongly condemn the attack," Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Sadiq said in a statement here.
At least two people have been killed and 11 hurt in an attack on a military parade in Kabul. Hamid Karzai appeared to be the prime target of the activity later claimed by Taliban. The parade was a celebration to mark 16 years since the overthrow of the country's Soviet-backed rule. Security forces whisked Karzai and other dignitaries away and hundreds fled as gun shots continued to hit crowds.
Sadiq said Pakistan was happy that Karzai remained unhurt. "We are greatly relieved and grateful to Allah that no harm has come to President Hamid Karzai," the statement said.
It added, "We express our deep sorrow over the reported death of two person and injuries to eleven as a result of this dastardly attack." The spokesperson assured Afghan government and people of support from their Pakistani brethren in these critical times. "In this hour we stand by our Afghan brothers and sisters and fully share their resolve to defeat the common enemy and overcome the challenge of terrorism and extremism," the statement concluded.