“Starting from today, we announce three days of national mourning,” president Karzai, accompanied by vice president and other cabinet members, told a press conference held in the presidential palace.

President Karzai expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the victims and to the entire nation for the devastating blast that killed six parliamentarians and 35 others, including school children and elderly people who were there to welcome the visiting dignitaries.

The President announced the mourning period and ordered that all national flags be dropped to half-mast for three days during which the deceased members of the parliament would be given state funeral.

The six MPs included Sayed Mustafa Kazimi, Aref Zarif, Saheb Rahman, Eng. Abdul Matin, Sebghatullah Zaki and Nazuk Mir.

President Karzai said a team of investigators has been dispatched to the province to find out on the exact cause of the incident. Another delegation has been assigned to perform the arrangements for the burial processions.

In answer to a question, President Karzai said that we watch the situation in Pakistan and it undoubtedly affects Afghanistan. “We hope the situation in Pakistan would return to normalcy as soon as possible.” said the President.

President Karzai said, "We are once again reiterating that the best way for stability in this part of the world, in Afghanistan and in Pakistan, is an effective, sincere, very, very serious fight against extremism and terrorism."