Pakistan urges thorough investigation into assassination attempt on ambassador to Kabul

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the attack on the country's Ambassador to Kabul, Afghanistan, Ubaid Nizamani, and demanded an immediate investigation.

"I strongly condemn the despicable attempt on the head of Pakistan's mission in Kabul. I demand immediate investigation and action against the perpetrators of this heinous act," Sharif tweeted on December 2, Interfax reports.

He later reported that Nizamani was safe.

"Just spoke to Ubaid Nizamani, the head of Pakistan's mission in Kabul. I was relieved to know that he is safe. I expressed government and people's solidarity with him while assuring full support and assistance to him and the mission on all counts," Sharif wrote.

For its part, the Taliban, which controls Afghanistan, said it was investigating the armed attack on the Pakistani ambassador.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns the attempted shooting and attack on the Pakistani embassy in Kabul and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured security officer," said Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi.

"The Islamic Emirate will never allow selfish people to jeopardise the security of diplomatic missions in Kabul. The security agencies are seriously investigating the incident and once the perpetrators are identified, punishment will be imposed under the law," Balkhi tweeted.

Afghan media reported that an armed attack on the Pakistani ambassador took place in the Karte Parwan area of Kabul's second district. No armed group operating in the country has claimed responsibility for the attack.