Paktika irrigation director shot dead

SHARANA (PAN department was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in southeastern Paktika province, officials said on Saturday.

Director Gul Mohammad Alikhel was killed late on Friday night on the Sharan-Yousafkhel highway, a statement from the governor’s house said.

Even though Alikhel had worked for seven years as a government official, he had good relations with local Taliban fighters, an official said on condition of anonymity.

The victim had also served as district chief for Yousafkhel, Sra Rawza and Mata Khan, in addition to holding other posts.

mrh/mud