KABUL - The martyrdom of Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani is an irreparable loss not only for the Afghan nation, but the entire Muslim world, the Pakistan ambassador to Afghanistan said on Saturday.
"Rabbani was a close friend of Pakistan. Our affiliation with him deepened when Rabbani, along with other jihadi leaders, was engaged in a valiant struggle against the Soviet occupation," he said.

Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq recalled the jihad years when the Pakistani nation extended unflinching support to Afghans in throwing away the yoke of foreign occupation.

In a statement, the diplomat called the jihad years a glorious chapter in the brotherhood between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As chairman of the High Peace Council, he engaged with Paksitan in a joint mission for bringing durable peace and stability to Afghanistan.

He added in meetings with Pakistani leadership in recent months, the two sides reached a consensus that peace and stability in the two countries was inter-linked and, therefore, it was vital to broaden bilateral engagement.

"This dastardly act of assassination has been committed by the forces which are opposed to bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan and the region. These evil forces are enemies of Pakistan and Afghanistan."

Sadiq underlined the need for a comprehensive investigation into the assassination and awarding deterrent punishment to the perpetrators. "The enemies should not under-estimate our joint resolve for peace.

"We will continue the mission of Rabbani for pursuing peace, progress and prosperity of both nations. Our destinies are inter-twined and we cannot let our enemies continue to subvert our future."

The top peace negotiator, who killed in a bomb attack on Tuesday evening, was laid to rest in the Wazir Akbar Khan diplomatic district of Kabul on Friday.