Rabbani’s death frays Afghanistan, Pakistan relations

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan issued harsh words against neighboring Pakistan on Tuesday, accusing it of refusing to help investigate the assassination of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani and alleging that Pakistani intelligence officials had advance knowledge of the plot.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have long been uneasy allies against the Taliban insurgency, and relations have become increasingly strained since the death of Rabbani, who was appointed by the government to try to broker peace with the Taliban.

If Pakistan does not help, Afghanistan will appeal to the United Nations to get involved, said a spokesman for the government commission investigating the assassination who goes by the single name of Dr. Zia.

Pakistan’s government said it was cooperating and denied involvement in the Sept. 20 killing.

The assassin gained entry to Rabbani’s home by claiming to be a peace emissary from the Taliban’s governing council, which is based in Pakistan. As he neared Rabbani he detonated explosives that were hidden inside his turban.

The Taliban has not claimed responsibility for Rabbani’s death.

Associated Press