ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned a bomb attack on a crowded Afghanistan mosque in the country’s Herat city on Friday that killed at least 18 people and wounded over 20. 

The explosion at Guzargah Mosque in Herat took place during Friday prayers, as scores of Muslims take to mosques around the country to offer the weekly prayers. Videos on social media showed several bodies lying in the mosque’s courtyard after the explosion. 

The attack also killed Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, a prominent Afghan cleric. Ansari’s death was confirmed by chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid in a tweet. 

“Pakistan strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack on Guzargah Mosque in Herat, Afghanistan on Friday 02 September 2022 in which many precious lives of innocent people have been lost with several injuries,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement. 

Islamabad expressed solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and promised to support Afghan authorities’ efforts for the protection of their citizens. 

“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement added. 

The 57-nation OIC also condemned Friday’s attack, saying it “remains gravely concerned that sporadic attacks and explosions in various provinces across the country continue to mar the security and social peace of Afghan people.” 

“The OIC renews its resolute solidarity with Afghanistan and its long-suffering people,” it added. 

The US-led coalition completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan last year, with its hasty exit leading to millions of Afghans now facing an unprecedented crisis. 

The country’s aid-dependent economy has been in freefall since the Taliban took over, with billions of dollars in foreign aid suspended, and some $9.5 billion in Afghan central bank assets parked overseas still frozen.