Pakistan urges coordinated measures with Afghanistan to fight terrorism after deadly blast

Pakistan on Tuesday called for " coordinated measures" with neighbouring Afghanistan to fight terrorism after a deadly suicide car bombing killed over 30 people.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack near an American base in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province on Sunday. Women and children were among those killed. Some Afghan officials have pointed figures at the Taliban.

The blast occurred a week after Pakistan hosted representatives of the Afghan governemnt and the Taliban near the capital Islamabad that has raised hopes for peace in the war-torn country. Terrorist attacks could be seen a possible challenge to the fragile peace process.

Pakistan's top security adviser Sartaj Aziz has warned some elements can try to derail the Afghan reconciliation process. "Terrorism is our common enemy that has afflicted the whole region. We are confident that through coordinated measures Pakistan and Afghanistan would root out this menace from our countries and the region," the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said. "Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. Such acts are deplorable and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances," the ministry spokesman said.

He condemned in the strongest terms the attack and conveyed deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims.

"The Government and people of Pakistan share the grief and sorrow of their Afghan brothers, and stand in full solidarity with them," a Foreign Ministry statement said. Endi