ISLAMABAD/KABUL — Pakistan strongly condemns the mindless attack at Kabul University on Monday, resulting in loss of so many precious lives and injuries to many more. This act of terrorism is particularly despicable as it targeted an institution of learning. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and will continue to support a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Islamabad made this statement after gunmen launched a day-long attack on Kabul University, killing at least 19, wounding 22, and taking several students hostage according to the Interior Ministry. The attack began with an explosion at the gates of the prestigious university campus in west Kabul just before 11 a.m. Monday morning. Thousands of students fled, but a number trapped inside began posting to social media describing seeing classmates gunned down. A law student told The Washington Post that dozens of students and some professors were taken hostage in the attack. The student spoke on condition of anonymity for security concerns. The Interior Ministry said hundreds of students had been rescued by Afghan security forces. After an assault that lasted over five hours, the Interior Ministry declared the campus secured. Shortly after the attack began the Taliban issued a statement denying responsibility. This is the second significant attack targeting civilians in Kabul in recent weeks. Last month a suicide attack on an education center in west Kabul killed 24 people, mostly students, and wounded 70 others. The Daesh (so-called IS) group claimed responsibility. — Agencies