Religious scholar gunned down in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Unidentified gunmen shot dead a religious scholar in southern Helmand province on Wednesday, an official said.

Police spokesman Abdul Salaam Afghan told Pajhwok Afghan News the armed men killed Maulvi Mukhtar Ahmad Haqqani in Lashkargah.

He said: “The scholar came under attack on his way to masque in Mukhtar locality.” No one has been detained in connection with the incident so far.

Hajj and Religious Affairs Director Dawood Mudaqiq confirmed the killing, saying Mukhtar Ahmad was gunned down in front of his residence.

Radio and Television Director Hayatullah Dawari said the scholar regularly took part in programmes on Islamic issues and highlighted the need for peace.

pk/mud