Fazl Ahmad Paeez head of Religious Affairs at the Aga Khan Foundation was shot and killed by gunmen in Zebak district this Friday evening. The murder has shocked the local Ismaili community and sparked serious concern.
Brutal Execution Sparks Alarm
Eyewitnesses report that unidentified armed men stormed Paeez’s home forcibly dragged him outside and shot him dead The scene was horrific with bloodied body found at the site Graphic images seen by Afghanistan International confirm the cruelty of the act.
Pattern of Violence Against Ismailis
This killing follows the abduction torture and murder of WHO worker Sayed Qiyamuddin last month marking the second high profile attack on members of the Ismaili minority recently.
Forced Conversions Escalate
Since Taliban returned to power authorities have reportedly opened jihadi schools in Ismaili regions to reinforce Sunni teaching and coerced families into conversion at gunpoint.
Wider Strategy of Religious Suppression
Reports from Darwaz Warduj and Nusai districts describe Taliban raids intimidation threats expulsions and forced faith renunciations A senior regional commander Jummah Khan Fatah is named as central figure in these operations .
Taliban Authorities Stay Silent
Local Taliban officials have offered no comment on Paeez’s killing or on broader accusations They have also not launched any investigation or spoken against forced conversions.
International Concern Grows
UN reports confirm that at least 50 Ismailis were forcibly converted between January and February 2025 fueling fears that religious pluralism in Afghanistan may be collapsing under Taliban rule.
Urgent Calls for Justice
Political and human rights voices now demand immediate action They call for independent investigations security guarantees and public condemnation to stem rising sectarian violence
