BADAKHSHAN: Fazal Ahmad Paiz, an Ismaili Muslim community member, was killed inside his home in Tizab village, Zebak district of Badakhshan province in Afghanistan.
Local residents told Afghan media that the attack appeared targeted and may be linked to his religious affiliation. Fazal was also affiliated with Aga Khan Foundation.
Eyewitnesses said that unidentified gunmen stormed Fazal’s home on the evening of 4th July, dragged him outside and executed him and escaped.
Taliban authorities have not issued any statement or opened a public investigation. The killing has raised fears among Badakhshan’s Ismaili community who have faced growing pressure since the Taliban’s return to power.
Last year, another Ismaili man in the district was abducted and beheaded. Reports this year alleged local Taliban officials have forced Ismailis to convert to Sunni Islam, fueling concerns about rising sectarian violence and discrimination.
Human rights groups are urging international attention to protect vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.
While almost all other international aid agencies left Afghanistan soon after the takeover by Taliban in 2021, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) continued its activities in the reconstruction and development of the war-torn country.
Taliban later asked AKDN to continue work in Afghanistan. In a tweet, spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi had said: \”IEA acting FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaki met with special rep of @akdn Akbar Ali Pesnani and accompanying delegation.\”
Mr Muttaki and Mr Pesnani emphasized continuation of assistance and social services provided by the foundation so that it may reach the Afghan people.
\”Mr. Pesnani pledged to continue services and noted that they had not experienced such peace and security in Afghanistan over the last 18 years,\” said the spokesman.