Blast in Pak embassy in Kabul

The explosion supports one view that the ratio of crimes was increasing in Kabul city. In the last couple of months several people have reported adultery, theft and murder cases with the Taliban administration despite severe punishments being given by Taliban to the criminals involved in such crimes. The AIP report, quoting sources in the Afghan capital, said the explosion occurred on the roof of the visa section of the embassy before it opened for business, shattering windows and destroying part of a wall.

Pakistan is one of three countries which have recognised the Taliban Government and is often accused by Afghan opposition groups of providing material assistance to the Taliban. The Pakistan embassy is the only functional embassy in Kabul, and that too is staffed sparsely with low level staff operating the offices.

Pakistan has condemned the explosion and said the perpetrators must be arrested and punished.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Foreign Office said the blast, which occurred at 6 am, extensively damaged the Consulate section of the embassy and other parts of the building.

Following the explosion, the Afghan Government promised to increase security at the embassy, according to the statement.