Pakistan condemns attack on Kabul hotel, calls for cooperation among countries to combat terrorism

Pakistan today strongly condemned a deadly terror attack at a luxury hotel in Kabul and called for cooperation among countries for effectively combating and eliminating the scourge of terrorism.

Gunmen stormed the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul and killed at least six people including a foreigner, sparking a 12-hour overnight battle with security forces. 

"Pakistan strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul last evening. We express deep grief and sorrow at the loss of precious human lives and the injuring of many others in this terrorist act," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

"The Government and the people of Pakistan convey solidarity and support with the Government and people of Afghanistan at this dastardly terrorist attack. We convey our deepest sympathies for those who have lost their loved ones and our sincere prayers and wishes are for early recovery of those who have sustained injuries in this heinous terror attack," it said.

"We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In our view, cooperation among the states is important for effectively combating and eliminating the scourge of terrorism," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of providing safe havens to militants who carry out terror attacks in Afghanistan. 

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack on the six-storey Intercontinental Hotel in the Afghan capital. More than 150 guests fled the hotel to escape the overnight assault, with some shimmying down tied-together sheets from upper-floor windows. Many were rescued by Afghan forces.