Lutfullah Mashal, spokesman for the National Directorate of Security speaks, speaks during a news conference in Kabul on May 23, 2011. – AFP

KABUL: Afghanistan's intelligence services said Monday that Taliban leader Mullah Omar had “disappeared from his hideout” in Quetta, Pakistan, up to five days ago but could not confirm his death.

“We can confirm that he has been disappeared from his hideout in Quetta, Balochistan,” said Nutfullah Mashal, spokesman for the National Directorate of Security.

“He has been disappeared from his location during the last four to five days,” he added, speaking in English.

“So far we cannot confirm the killing of Mullah Omar officially.”

Mashal was speaking at a news conference after an Afghan source speaking anonymously claimed Omar was dead, while another said he had been missing for 11 days.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...