At least 68 people injured as blast rocks Kabul's diplomatic district

At least 68 people were wounded on Monday, after a large blast rocked the diplomatic district of Kabul, according to a Tolo News tweet

The tweet quoted Public Health Ministry's spokesman Wahidullah Mayar.

At least 68 people were wounded in #Kabul explosion based on initial reports, the Public Health Ministry's spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said. pic.twitter.com/dLq49Hps5K

— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) July 1, 2019

Reuters witnesses said the sound shook their office building. Kabul police officials confirmed there had been an explosion, but gave no immediate details.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast hit a densely populated area where the ministry of defence is located.

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According to AFP, the  neighbourhood is home to some military and government buildings, as well as the Afghan Football Federation and the Afghan Cricket Board.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, and it was not immediately clear what the precise target was. Both the Taliban and the so-called Islamic State group are active in Kabul.

The explosion came two days after the Taliban and the US began their seventh round of talks in the Qatari capital of Doha as Washington eyes a breakthrough before Afghanistan's September presidential election.

The negotiations have so far centred on four issues - counter-terrorism, the foreign troop presence, an intra-Afghan dialogue and a permanent ceasefire.

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A potential deal would see the US agree to withdraw its troops after more than 17 years in Afghanistan, igniting deep concerns among huge swathes of Afghans who fear the militants will return to some semblance of power.

In return the Taliban would guarantee the country never again became a safe haven for violent extremist groups, as happened with Al-Qaeda before the September 11, 2001 attacks.

US officials have previously said they are hoping for a deal before the upcoming Afghan presidential elections, which have already been delayed twice and are now set for September.

Pakistan condemns the attack

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Faisal also offered his sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.

The spokesperson said such attacks are detrimental to the cause of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.

This is a developing story.