Blast in Afghan President rally kills 24 people

ISLAMABAD, Sept 17 (KUNA) -- At least 24 people lost their lives while over 30 others received injuries in a bomb blast on Tuesday near an election rally held by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Parwan province, north of Afghanistan.
The blast took place at the entrance of the venue hosting the election rally of Afghan President in Charikar city; the capital of Parwan province. The President who was present at the rally remained safe and unharmed.
The head of Parwan hospital, Abdul Qasim Sangin in a statement to media confirmed the casualty toll that included women and children.
The official expressed fear that the death toll could rise as condition of many injured was critical. No group has so far claimed the responsibility of the blast.
The President was campaigning for the Presidential elections scheduled to take place on September 28. The blast came at a time when US President Donald Trump called off peace talks with Taliban rebels aimed at ending 18-year war in Afghanistan.
The talks were called off after Taliban and U.S "agree in principle" on an agreement, which could lead to a way for American forces withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The peace deal agreement was the result of nine rounds of talks between the US and Taliban representatives, held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. (end) sbk.hs