ISLAMABAD: Rejecting knee-jerk allegations by some Afghan circles of theattack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Pakistan Sunday called forcredible investigation into the attack, including a report on the securitylapses.

Spokesperson for the Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal Sunday tweeted: “Wereject the knee-jerk allegations by some Afghan circles to point the fingerat Pakistan for the terrorist attack on Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul.

“There is a need for a credible investigation into the attack, including onreported security lapses.”

A press release issued earlier in the day stated that the Foreign Officestrongly condemned the brutal terrorist attack at the hotel in Kabul.

“We express deep grief and sorrow at the loss of precious human lives andthe injuring of many others in this terrorist act.

“The government and the people of Pakistan convey solidarity and supportwith the government and people of Afghanistan at this dastardly terroristattack. We convey our deepest sympathies for those who have lost theirloved ones and our sincere prayers and wishes are for early recovery ofthose who have sustained injuries in this heinous terror attack.”

The assault on the Intercontinental Hotel has left at least 19 people dead,including 14 foreigners, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Nusrat Rahimitold CBS News.

Rahimi said the 14 foreigners included one Kazakh national, nine Ukrainiansand one Greek national. Three others have yet to be identified.

Rahimi said 11 of those foreigners killed worked for KamAir, a privateAfghan airline that suspended flights following the attack.

Ten other people, including six from the security forces, were reportedwounded and more than 150 people, including 41 foreigners, were rescuedfrom the hotel.

Afghan security officials confirmed that 34 provincial officials weregathered at the hotel to participate in a conference organized by theTelecommunication Ministry.

Terrified hotel guests climbed down bedsheets tied to balconies to escapethe gunmen rampaging through the hilltop hotel overlooking the Afghancapital.

Special Forces were lowered by helicopters during the night onto the roofof the landmark 1960s building. Afghan security forces killed all sixattackers, the interior ministry said.