The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Gunmen have killed a Pakistani working at the Iranian consulate in the city of Peshawar, officials say. Police that say Abul Hasan Jaffery, head of public affairs at the consulate, was leaving his home in Peshawar when he was attacked. Before joining the Iranian consulate, Mr Jaffery was a well-known journalist. Correspondents say that Iranian diplomats and nationals have been targeted in Pakistan since the 1990s amid Shia-Sunni sectarian tensions. Relations between Iran and Sunni-majority Pakistan have been strained since Iran said Pakistan-based agents were involved in a recent suicide bombing in south-east Iran. Forty-two people died in October's attack, which has been blamed on the Sunni resistance group, Jundullah. Islamabad has dismissed claims that the leader of Jundullah was in Pakistan. "Two men on foot intercepted Mr Jaffery as he was leaving for office," head of the local police station Abdul Rehman told the BBC. "An automatic pistol was used and the attackers were able to escape afterwards." He said Mr Jaffery died as he was being taken to the nearest hospital. Mr Jaffery had served with the provincial government as press officer and worked for two chief ministers. He resigned from his government position a few years ago to join the Iranian mission as the head of public affairs.
0 comments:
Post a Comment