by Raheela Nazir
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" at an airport in the Afghan capital Kabul that resulted in the loss of dozens of innocent lives, calling for the sustained engagement of the international community to achieve peace in Afghanistan.
"Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We convey our sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of those injured," the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said in a statement late Thursday.
Commenting on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the world to help Afghanistan achieve peace after decades of turmoil the country has suffered.
"The role of the international community is vital in bringing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan ... Their people have faced such hardships," said the prime minister while addressing a gathering here on Thursday.
Pakistan on multiple occasions has reiterated its support for an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan and maintained that a stable Afghanistan is of critical importance for Pakistan and the region.
Since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Pakistan remained in close contact with the international community on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
Khan held telephonic conversations with world leaders including presidents of Russia and Turkey, the German chancellor, and the prime ministers of Britain, Netherlands and Denmark to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan.
Amid the crisis, Pakistan has also been facilitating the evacuation of people from Afghanistan including members of the international community.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain told the media on Tuesday that over 3,400 people have been evacuated through airplanes, while around 19,000 have come through the borders to Pakistan.
"Pakistan remains one of the primary stakeholders in this whole process and trying to create a conducive environment so that the people stranded in Afghanistan can be evacuated," Hussain said.
Meanwhile, the local administration in Islamabad on Thursday has requested all private hotels in the capital to stop booking for the next three weeks to accommodate thousands of Afghan evacuees.
"In view of the current situation across the border, thousands of people are evacuating from Afghanistan and passengers from transition flights are staying in Islamabad. In order to facilitate the passengers, it is requested that reservations in all hotels of Islamabad Capital Territory may be closed for next 21 days at least," said a notification released by the district magistrate office of Islamabad. Enditem
