ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned the suicide terror attack on a cultural centre in Afghan capital Kabul, which claimed 41 lives and injured over 80.

“We express our heartfelt condolences with the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones in these brutal terrorist attacks and pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded. We express our abiding solidarity with the government and the brotherly people of Afghanistan,” the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Daesh group claimed the suicide bombing at the Tebyan Social and Cultural Centre in Kabul which was followed by another two blasts near the building entrance. Several women and children were among those killed.

“Pakistan reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and firm resolve to eradicate this menace,” said the ministry’s statement.

JAPAN’S FM

After a gap of nearly nine years, a Japanese foreign minister will be visiting Pakistan, in a bid to further “coordinate” bilateral relations.

Year 2017 sees Pakistan and Japan celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Taro Kono, the Japanese Foreign Minister is arriving in Islamabad on Jan.3,for a two day visit at a time when Tokyo says it keeps in mind that, “Pakistan plays an important role for peace and prosperity of the region and that coordination and cooperation between two countries should be further promoted.”

Indo-Asian News Service