Ismail Khan survives life attempt

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former water and energy minister Ismail Khan escaped unhurt on Friday when a suicide attacker blew himself up outside a mosque in western Herat province, officials said.

The bomber, who was on foot, blew himself up in front of the mosque, where Khan was present to offer Friday’s prayers, the official said, adding the blast occurred as worshippers started coming out after the prayers.

The attack in Baghicha Mehtar area in the limits of 5th police district was carried out by a 65 to 70 years old white-bearded man, said Wahid Qatali, the provincial council chief, who accompanied Khan during the prayers.

“As Khan stepped into his car after the prayers, the bomber rushed towards him but his explosives went off prematurely before he could reach Khan,” Qatali added.

Only the attacker was killed and no one else got hurt, he said, claiming to have prior information on the attack.

After the blast, Khan briefly talked to reporters at his residence, saying he felt well. He blamed the attack on anti-Islam and anti-Afghanistan insurgents.

Khan, who is contesting the April presidential elections as one of Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf’s running mates, has previously survived many attempts on his life.

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