The burial ceremony of Khalil Rahman Haqqani, acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, was held today (Thursday) under tight security measures in Gardez district of Paktia province.

Several high-ranking officials of the Islamic Emirate, including the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, acting ministers, governors, and other officials, as well as many citizens, attended the ceremony.

Members of the caretaker government praised the achievements of the late acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, referring to him as an enemy of the infidels.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, described Khalil Rahman Haqqani as a Mujahid of two Jihads, against the former Soviet Union and against the US and NATO, commending his efforts during the Jihad era.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir said: “Haji Sahib participated in both Jihads: The Jihad against the Soviets and the Jihad against the US and NATO. He migrated twice—once due to the Soviets and once due to NATO.”

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, acting Minister of Interior, said Khalil Rahman Haqqani was an enemy of the infidels, and the Americans had placed a $5 million bounty on his capture. Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani also stated that all renowned Muslims are targets of the enemies of Islam.

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani said: “Allah is the ultimate avenger. I am only saddened by the weak act committed by whoever carried it out. They should have thought that he was an enemy of the infidels, not of Muslims. The Americans had placed a $5 million bounty on his head.”

Anas Haqqani, a senior member of the Islamic Emirate, said: “On behalf of the family, tribe, and the Islamic Emirate, we thank everyone who sent their condolences. May Allah reward you all.”

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that according to the Islamic Emirate's investigations, six out of the seven recent attacks were planned outside the country, and this incident will also be investigated. Muttaqi urged countries not to provide sanctuary to such individuals.

“Based on the Islamic Emirate's findings, six of the seven attacks were planned outside Afghanistan. This attack is also under investigation to determine its origin. We call on all countries not to harbor such oppressive individuals,” said the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Since the Islamic Emirate's return to power, this is the first member of the caretaker government’s cabinet to be targeted in such an attack, which has drawn widespread domestic and global reactions.