Afghanistan: At least 24 killed in blast in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in central Parwan province on Tuesday with several people reportedly killed in the attack.

At least 24 people have been killed in the blast with 30 people wounded, reports said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

President Ghani was about to make a speech when the blast occurred. The Afghan president is safe and unharmed.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomber was on a motorbike and detonated the bomb at the first checkpoint leading to the rally, AFP reported.

Presidential elections are due to take place on September 28 amid fears the Taliban may try to disrupt the polls after the breakdown of peace talks between the Trump administration and the Taliban.