Paktia rural development deptt looted, torched

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The rural rehabilitation and development department of southern Paktia province was torched before being looted by unidentified men, an official said on Monday.

A worker of the department, who wished not to be named, told Pajhwok Afghan News that a number of armed men entered the department on Sunday night.

He said the armed men first overpowered three guards of the department and tied hands and then started looting it.

The men stole a pick-up vehicle, eight computers, four printers and some other technical materials, the source added.

“The looters also set the department on fire and nearly 80 percent of its building was torched,” the official said.

Governor’s spokesman, Naqibullah Attal, confirmed the incident and said security guards of the department had been arrested.

A number of officials of the department were also under investigation, he said, without going into details.

The rural rehabilitation and development department of Paktia province is located in a residential area northwest of Gardez City, the provincial capital.

mds/ma