KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday a suicide bombing that wounded his intelligence chief was planned in Quetta and that he would raise the issue with Islamabad.
Karzai stopped short of blaming the Pakistani government directly, but said the issue would be raised with neighbouring Pakistan.
On Thursday, a suicide bomber posing as a peace messenger wounded Afghanistan's intelligence chief, Asadullah Khalid, dealing a blow to a nascent reconciliation process.
"Of course we will be seeking clarification from Pakistan because we know this man who came in the name of a guest to meet Asadullah Khalid came from Pakistan. We know that for a fact," said Karzai.
"We will be firmly and clearly seeking clarification and asking for any information that they may have."
The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, although it often makes exaggerated claims about attacks on foreign troops or government targets.
Karzai said the militant group was not behind the attack in the heart of the capital, Kabul.
"Apparently the Taliban claimed responsibility like many other attacks but such a complicated attack and a bomb hidden inside his body, this is not Taliban work," Karzai said.
"It's a completely professional (job) ... Taliban cannot do that and there are bigger and professional hands involved in it."
Karzai said he would discuss the issue with Pakistani officials during a meeting in Turkey.
"This is a very important issue for us and we hope that the Pakistan government in this regard gives us accurate information and cooperates seriously, so the doubts we have end," he said.
Ties between Kabul and Islamabad have been strained by cross-border raids by militants groups and accusations that Pakistan's intelligence agency backs Afghan insurgent groups to advance its interests in the country.
Pakistan denies the accusations and says it is committed to helping bring peace to Afghanistan.
COMMENTS (24)
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pakistan ISI is mother Theresa itself...........we Indians knew it and now afganistan too.........guys.remeber GESTAPO and its activities........the time is not too far WHEN PAKISTANIS WILL KNOW WHAT GESTAPO IS.
Karzai stopped short of accusing Pakistan’s intelligence agency of planning the attack, but he described it as a “very sophisticated and complicated act by a professional intelligence service” and said his government would be “seeking a lot of clarifications from Pakistan” about the incident. Afghan intelligence officials said the bomber, thought to be a peace messenger from the Taliban, was invited to a guest house used by Khalid in Kabul and blew himself up as he greeted the intelligence chief. They said he had explosives hidden in his underwear, but Karzai said he was not searched because of Khalid’s “respect for our traditions and hospitality.” An almost identical scenario resulted in the death of former Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani in September 2011. In that case, another ostensible peace emissary from the Taliban entered Rabbani’s house in Kabul and was not searched. Upon greeting the former president, the man detonated a bomb in his turban.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asiapacific/karzai-says-suicide-attack-on-aide-was-planned-in-pakistan/2012/12/08/51136858-4133-11e2-8a5c-473797be602cstory.html
@Chengez K: But why are you celebrating ? This is not good news for Pakistan.
@Salman
Real deal is US, both Afghan and Pakistani governments are useless. Both governments have secrety agreed to keep the region destabilized so they can get $ billions to fight the war on terror. A clever arrangement, which keeps both corrupt governments in power. And that my friend is the truth.
what did you say??? speak loud again.. i don't hear your voice...
I hope the Afghans reciprocate by targeting Zaheerul Islam or someone equivalent.That would be poetic justice. Wallah ka di praedam.
@Jat:
You are wrong this guy is far more important.....as he is the right hand man of his highness The Great Hamid Karzai.....the chosen one !!!
It seems to me that these people are celebrating--One more export order fulfilled.
Does it sound so unreasonable? Seem to recall a BBC documentary where a number of Taliban confessed on camera that they received funding, arms, intel and training from Pakistan military/ISI - and once again Pakistan denied everything and banned BBC. Whether is OBL or Quetta Shura - Pakistan response has been consistent - ignore evidence, deny, and otherwise stonewall.
Anyone remember Ahmad Shah Masood ? Very similar tactics used. The Afghans know the person who was acting as the peace messenger, they also know who sent him and from where. Be ready for long-term repercussions. The guy who is seriously hurt is equivalent to your DG of ISI.
Looks like Karzai has found new brothers in the form of Talibans. Now he even don't dare to blame Talibans. Anyways, Pakistan won't gain anything by killing Afghan chief. He is not that important infact entire Afghan Govt. is useless. Real deal is US and Talibans there.
With so many attacks taking place in Afghanistan, all individuals meeting high dignitaries should necessarily be scanned by scanner machines before meeting them. No wonder, due to such poor intelligence and paucity of high tech mechanism in place, so many high officials and ministers have been killed and blasts taking place at sensitive and highly protected defence and civilian buildings on many occasions.
"This president (if we call him that), seems over fed by Indian intelligence or simply a lunatic." "Karzai Job is only to blame Pakistan for Everything" "Hey karzai go to your usa not Pakistan. They have your answer." The above comments and many more indicates a very negative mindset. Any one to think that why China, Afghanistan, India and many allover the world like England and America keep blaming Pakistan for exporting terror in their territory. Please; instead being sarcastic or insulting just think and think hard.
Try 2 c0ntr0l 0ver ur blame nd d0 ur j0b h0nestly,
Not quetta it was planned in gaya , bihar india ... foreign hand .. indian sazeesh lolz ... the only news from pakistan .. some country accused pakisatan for terroirst activity rehman malik denies .. good keep it up
This president (if we call him that), seems over fed by Indian intelligence or simply a lunatic. If he is so concerned about his people/their safety n little wind blows n he come up with blame, than why not call back all Afghan Refugees back from Pakistan n all other agents. Fail to understand why Pakistan even bother to listen this lunatic. Get real Mr. President n stop black mailing others, this's new century n change Afghan tradition of living on others wealth.
Karzai has also lived in pakistan for many years but that does not mean pakistan govt controls him. Mr karzai pakistan govt is not responsible if people of you own country hate you for what you are doing. Millions of Afghanis have been in and out of pakistan.
Hey karzai go to your usa not Pakistan. They have your answer.
Karzai Job is only to blame Pakistan for Everything
What a mouthpiece!
Long Live Karzai !!!
He is true brother of our beloved democratically elected president Hon. Asif Zardari