- Body of Pakistani diplomatic staffer handed over to authorities at Torkham
PESHAWAR: The Islamic State also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh has claimed the responsibility for the murder of Rana Nayyar Iqbal, a staff member of Pakistan’s Consulate General in Jalalabad city of Afghanistan, in an Arabic-language message released on its website, Aimaq.
Iqbal, who worked in the visa section of the consulate general, was shot dead outside his residence Monday evening.
Earlier on Tuesday, the body was handed over to Pakistani authorities at Torkham.
Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed by the authorities on Tuesday after the incident. According to reports, all types of traffic was suspended on both sides of the crossing, including NATO supplies. People willing to cross on foot were also not allowed as the gate was closed.
The border was re-opened after the handing over of the dead body to Pakistani authorities. Later the Pakistan authorities dispatched the dead body of Nayar Iqbal Rana to his native village district, Sialkot.
Later in the day, the funeral prayers of the diplomat were held in the federal capital, which were attended by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif.
Nayar Iqbal Rana, a staff member of Pakistan’s Consulate General in Jalalabad city of Afghanistan, was shot dead on Monday.
According to a Foreign Office statement, Nayyar Iqbal Rana was shot dead by two unidentified assailants riding on a motorbike at a shop near his residence. The 52-year-old, who received multiple bullets and died on the spot, leaves behind a widow and five children.
Sources told Pakistan Today that Rana hailed from Sialkot and was working for the consulate’s visa section.
The president and prime minister in separate messages strongly condemned the heinous act and conveyed their deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.
