Ex-lawmaker Barekzai shot dead in Kandahar City

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Former Wolesi Jirga member from central Uruzgan province Obaidullah Barekzai was gunned down by unknown assailants in southern Kandahar province on Saturday, officials said.

Barekzai came under the gun attack in the 6^th police district of Kandahar City, the provincial capital, at around 3:30pm.

Aziz Ahmad Azizi, the governor’s spokesman, confirmed the incident to Pajhwok Afghan News and said police had reached the spot. However, he did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, a security official, wishing anonymity, told Pajhwok that Obaidullah Barekzai was guest at a home in the area, but on return, he was attacked.

Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned Barekzai’s assassination and said: “Unfortunately Afghanistan lost a patriot and committed son.”

A statement from the Presidential Palace media’s office quoted the president as saying the Afghanistan enemies killed an ex-lawmaker from Uruzgan province in a terrorist attack in Kandahar province.

He said Barekzai was strongly committed to his country’s prosperity, security and stability and thus represented his constituents in a very good way during the Wolesi Jirga’s last two terms

President Ghani offered condolences and sympathy to the family of Barekzai, friends and the people of Uruzgan.

There has been no claim of responsibility for Barekzai’s assassination.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmad in a statement denied their involvement in the killing of Barekzai.

pk/ma