Suicide blast kills 43 people, wounds 80 in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (KUNA) -- At least 43 people have been killed and over 80 others wounded in a suicide blast targeting a religious gathering inside a large wedding hall in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Tuesday.
The explosion occurred inside Uranus Wedding Hall on the airport road in the city during a large religious gathering of people.
Public Health Ministry Spokesman, Waheed Majroh said that at least 43 people have been killed and over 80 others wounded in the deadly bombing. The injured were shifted to the different medical facilities where the death toll is feared to rise.
Spokesman for Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI), Najib Danish also confirmed the casualties saying that the blast was reportedly a suicide bombing.
A large number of religious scholars were in attendance in the gathering. No group has so far claimed responsibility of the attack.
Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the bombing and said it was a criminal act.
"President Ghani strongly condemns this criminal and Un-Islamic act and said that the terrorist attack on Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Mohammad) ceremony which conveys the message of peace and blessing is an enmity with the Islamic principles and way of life of the prophet (peace be upon him)," Afghan presidential palace said in a statement.
Pakistan also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kabul celebrating the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet.
"Perpetrators are condemnable for this heinous attack by all religious and human standards. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," said Pakistan Foreign Office.
"We fully stand with and share the grief of the people of Afghanistan at this sad moment. We also express our deep sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and pray for swift recovery of the injured, it added.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also deplored the attack.
The attack comes at a time when United States and Russia are trying to negotiate peace in Afghanistan with Taliban to end the 17-year-long conflict.
Moscow hosted a peace meeting last Friday that was attended by Taliban delegation to engage its diplomatic references for Afghan conflict resolution. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador; Zalmay Khalilzad has also met Taliban rebels in Qatar this week to initiate peace dialogues with the rebel group. (end) sbk.ibi