Tribal elder shot dead by Taliban in Gardez

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Unidentified gunmen have shot dead a tribal elder, Haji Akbar, in Gardez, the capital of southeastern Paktia province.

Akbar’s family blamed the Taliban for killing the elder. The rebels attacked their house at around 11pm on and shot Akbar dead.

The provincial police chief confirmed the incident, saying they had launched an investigation into the murder.

Haji Akbar, a tribal elder from Nistikot area, had long been critical of armed Taliban’s activities.

The Taliban have not yet commented on the overnight attack on the tribal elder.

Separately, a policeman was killed in Gardez on Saturday night . . .