Government minister assassinated

Security was at an all time high Saturday following the assassination of the Minister for Public Works, Haji Abdul Qadir, in the Afghan capital, Kabul. The prominent Pashtun leader, who was also one of the country’s three vice presidents, was shot in the head. “This was a terrorist act,” spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry, Omar Samad, told IRIN at the scene. “Whoever did this is an enemy of peace and stability and the process of reconstruction in this country.” According to eyewitnesses, two gunmen sprayed the minister’s Toyota land cruiser as it was leaving the Ministry for Public Works midday Saturday, killing both Qadir and his driver, before escaping in a waiting taxi. A former governor of Nangarhar province, Qadir was one of the most powerful men in eastern Afghanistan and one of the few ethnic Pastun members of the interim government. His death will undoubtedly heighten already growing concerns over peace and stability in the country - devastated by over two decades of war. “The government is confident that stability and peace will prevail in Afghanistan,” Samad said. “We will continue all our efforts to re-establish stability in the country. This is the best way to fight terrorism such as this. Whoever is guilty of this cowardly act will be caught,” he explained. But questions remain over how easily that can be done. Additionally, why Qadir was targeted was also being debated. Some people speculated his crackdown on opium production in the eastern part of the country, might have played a role. Asked if Qadir had received threats on his life before, Samad said: “Every person today - especially those working for the new Afghanistan - understands that they are facing certain risks. This country was ruled for a long time by terrorists - including the Taliban - until just a few months ago. They haven’t all disappeared yet.” Saturday’s assassination follows a series of violent incidents involving senior officials of the Afghan interim government. In February, irate passengers trying to leave on the Haj beat to death Civil Aviation Minister, Abdul Rahman, due to delays in their departure. In April, four civilians were killed and more than 50 injured when a bomb exploded as Defence Minister Mohammad Fahim was visiting the eastern city of Jalalabad. Afghan leader Hamid Karzai called a special emergency cabinet meeting Saturday afternoon where an official announcement on Qadir's assassination was expected later. Additionally, it was expected there would be further discussion on security measures for government officials. Although some Afghan government ministers travel with as many as 12 bodyguards at a time, Qadir didn't have a single security person with him at the time of his assassination, telling friends just the night before such behaviour would send the wrong message to the public. But the message being sent following his murder on Saturday was clear. Peace and security in Afghanistan remains as fragile as ever.