Pakistan for credible probe into Kabul hotel attack

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting knee-jerk allegations by some Afghan circles of the attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Pakistan Sunday called for credible investigation into the attack, including a report on the security lapses.

Spokesperson for the Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal Sunday tweeted: “We reject the knee-jerk allegations by some Afghan circles to point the finger at Pakistan for the terrorist attack on Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul.

“There is a need for a credible investigation into the attack, including on reported security lapses.”

A press release issued earlier in the day stated that the Foreign Office strongly condemned the brutal terrorist attack at the hotel in Kabul.

“We express deep grief and sorrow at the loss of precious human lives and the injuring of many others in this terrorist act.

“The government and the people of Pakistan convey solidarity and support with the government and people of Afghanistan at this dastardly terrorist attack. We convey our deepest sympathies for those who have lost their loved ones and our sincere prayers and wishes are for early recovery of those who have sustained injuries in this heinous terror attack.”

The assault on the Intercontinental Hotel has left at least 19 people dead, including 14 foreigners, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Nusrat Rahimi told CBS News.

Rahimi said the 14 foreigners included one Kazakh national, nine Ukrainians and one Greek national. Three others have yet to be identified.

Rahimi said 11 of those foreigners killed worked for KamAir, a private Afghan airline that suspended flights following the attack.

Ten other people, including six from the security forces, were reported wounded and more than 150 people, including 41 foreigners, were rescued from the hotel.

Afghan security officials confirmed that 34 provincial officials were gathered at the hotel to participate in a conference organized by the Telecommunication Ministry.

Terrified hotel guests climbed down bedsheets tied to balconies to escape the gunmen rampaging through the hilltop hotel overlooking the Afghan capital.

Special Forces were lowered by helicopters during the night onto the roof of the landmark 1960s building. Afghan security forces killed all six attackers, the interior ministry said.