Presidential Palace, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, strongly condemns the suicide attack in Gardez, Paktiya which killed Mohammad Hakeem Taniwal, the governor of the province of Paktiya . 

  According to reports, a suicide bomber had been waiting outside Mr. Taniwal's office and blew himself up as the Governor left, killing him, his nephew and bodyguard instantly and injuring many others.

In his reaction to the news, the President said: “The enemies of Afghanistan are trying to kill those people who are working for the peace and prosperity of Afghanistan .  The enemies of Afghanistan must understand that we have millions of people like Mr. Taniwal who will continue to serve this great nation.”

“Mr. Taniwal was a patriot, a man of both action and academic achievements.  He was also a personal friend of mine, who returned from abroad to serve his nation.  I am deeply saddened by this crime and I strongly condemn the killing of Mr. Taniwal.”  

The President expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of Mr. Taniwal and other victims and prayed for the full and speedy recovery of the injured.

Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President - Islamic Republic of Afghanistan