Haqqani network tainer: Qari Zakir designated a terrorist

Zakir is reportedly the chief of suicide operations of the Haqqani network.

WASHINGTON: United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has designated Qari Zakir, reportedly the chief of suicide operations of the Haqqani network as a specially designated global terrorist. In a press release, the State Department said that Qari Zakir also held the post for operational commander in Kabul, Takhar, Kunduz, and Baghlan provinces of Afghanistan. “Zakir is responsible for the Haqqani Network’s training programme, which includes instruction in small arms, heavy weapons, and basic improvised explosive device (IED) construction,” said the statement. According to the designation, any property subject to US jurisdiction held by Zakir has been blocked, and all US citizens are barred from engaging in any transactions with him.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2012.