Nawaz calls Ghani, offers condolences over Paktika attack

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif telephoned Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday and offered his condolences over the loss of precious lives in suicide attack in Paktika province of Afghanistan.

At least 57 people were killed and 60 others were wounded when a suicide blast ripped through large crowds gathered to watch a volleyball game in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday.

The attack, the deadliest blast in Afghanistan since 2011, struck just as a tournament between three local teams in the volatile Paktika province which borders Pakistan.

According to PM House, the call lasted for almost five minutes during which both leaders discussed the terrorist attack.

Both leaders acknowledged that the terrorists on both sides of the border have started targeting public places, said sources. The terrorist attack on Wagah Border also came under discussion.

According to sources, the premier telephoned the Afghan president after getting input on the incident from the Director General Inter Services Intelligence agency Lt General Rizwan Akhter.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment not to give any chance to those who do not want to cordial relations between two neighbouring countries.