Pakistan condemns Lashkargah car bombing as death toll rises to 16

The government of Pakistan strongly condemned the deadly car bomb attack near a stadium in Lashkargah city, the provincial capital of Helmand province.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan says “Pakistan strongly condemns the heinous suicide car bomb attack outside a stadium in Helmand Province as people were leaving the stadium after watching a wrestling match yesterday. We are grieved at the loss of precious and innocent lives in this brutal act of terrorism.”

The statement further adds that “We express our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

“Pakistan reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and expresses solidarity with the government and people of Afghanistan in this hour of grief and sorrow,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan said.

No individual or group has so far claimed responsibility behind the attack.

The local officials in Helmand are saying that the death toll as a result of the attack has climbed to at least 16 people.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Omar Zwak said at least 52 people have also sustained injuries in the attack and several children are among those killed or wounded.

This comes as the provincial government said last night that 14 people have been killed and more than 40 others have sustained injuries.