ISLAMABAD: Some 676 Pakistanis reported missing in Afghanistan since 2001 are believed to have died, said Prof Abdullah Khalil, Managing Director of non-profit organisation Lego-Academic & Social Services (LASS). Prof Khalil, who established LASS after retiring as head of the Government Area Study Centre, Peshawar, said he had been in search of the Pakistanis for the past decade but remained unsuccessful. He compiled a list of missing people after being informed of their disappearance by their friends and families. Although they are presumed dead, the circumstances that led to their deaths are unknown, he added. Their families and friends suspect they joined the Afghan Taliban to fight against the US occupation.
Afghan police kill
eight Taliban
Kabul: The Afghan National Police killed eight armed Taliban in joint clearance operations with Afghan National Army, National Directorate of Security and coalition rorces in the past 24 hours at many areas. According to the Ministry of Interior, operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Kandahar, Zabul, Logar, Ghazni and Helmand provinces. Seven armed Taliban were arrested.
Roadside explosion claims five of family
Kabul: At least five members of a family were killed in a roadside bomb blast in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, according to local authorities. Khanshin district chief Shah Mahmood Mir said the incident took place late on Monday. He said investigations had started and it was not clear who had placed the improvised explosive device. No rebel groups has claimed responsibility. But authorities blame Taliban for such incidents as rebels frequently use improvised explosive devices to target Afghan and coalition forces which normally lead to civilians casualties. According to a UN report last month, 2,754 Afghan civilians were killed and 4,805 injured in conflict-related violence in 2012, a 12 per cent drop in overall civilian casualties compared with 2011. Agencies
