The death toll of the suicide attack targeting a volleyball tournament in eastern Paktika province of Afghanistan rose to 57, leaving 60 others wounded, said officials on Monday.
Deputy Governor of Paktika province, Attaullah Fazli, told media that a bicycle rider blew himself up when the playground was packed with viewers and players. Officials of Sharan Hospital confirmed receiving 57 dead and over 60 wounded with most of them being seriously injured, he said. The Deputy Governor added that "42 people were killed instantly in the incident, 14 others were succumbed to injuries in Sharan hospital and another lost his life in Kabul hospital".
Meanwhile, the Governor's Spokesman Mukhlis Afghan said that the suicide attack took place when a volleyball match was underway between Yusufkhelo and Yahyakhelo districts on Sunday. He further noted that the dead included elders, players and children.
A statement from the Presidential Palace quoted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as saying, "It was an inhumane and barbaric act. These kinds of attacks are against the teachings of Islam and humanity", "It is the handiwork of the enemy of Afghanistan" the statement also added.
Paktika province borders Pakistan's northern tribal region facing militants' insurgency. The attack comes on the day Afghanistan's parliament signed off on an agreement that will allow NATO forces to stay in the country beyond 2014.