Afghan policemen arrive at the scene of attacks in Kabul on April 15, 2012.
Afghan policemen arrive at the scene of attacks in Kabul on April 15, 2012. - Photo by AFP

KABUL: Pakistani women parliamentarians are trapped in the country’s embassy after Taliban militants  launched one of the biggest attacks on Kabul and three neighbouring provinces the previous day.

The delegation included Pakistan Muslim League’s (Q) Donia Aziz, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Aasia Nasir and Tahira Aurangzeb.

The lawmakers had reached Kabul Sunday to meet their Afghan counterparts.

“The embassy officials have taken good care of us,” a Pakistani parliamentarian said.

“We can hear incessant sound of shelling,” she added.

“Pakistani embassy is safe from Taliban attacks but the security clearance will be required before leaving the embassy premises,” the women lawmakers said. “We hope that we will get clearance within two hours.”

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called the trapped lawmakers and consoled them.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also inquired their well-being in a telephonic discussion.

“Pakistan condemns the terrorist attacks in Kabul,” Pakistan’s foreign minister said.

A total of 47 people were killed and some 65 wounded in Kabul after the terrorist attack, with embassies and foreign military bases coming under fire in what the Taliban said was the start of its spring offensive.

Opinion

Editorial

Speaker’s partisan approach
Updated 22 Mar, 2022

Speaker’s partisan approach

National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser is playing a role that will not be favourable to his legacy.
22 Mar, 2022

Taliban acceptance

THE Afghan Taliban are veering closer to international acceptance. However, recognition of their hardline regime...
22 Mar, 2022

World Water Day

JUST three years... That’s the time left before taps in the country probably run dry as Pakistan faces “absolute...
OIC’s challenge
Updated 21 Mar, 2022

OIC’s challenge

At the best of times, the OIC has not been an effective body in global affairs.
21 Mar, 2022

Delay in funding

THE delay in the conclusion of the ongoing seventh review of the $6bn IMF funding programme for Pakistan may be...
21 Mar, 2022

Child labourers

IT is unfortunate that despite the existence of the relevant laws in all the provinces, the scourge of child labour...