KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Both presidential candidates Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday attended a memorial service for President Hamid Karzai’s slain cousin Hashmat Khalil Karzai in southern Kandahar province.
Hashmat Khalil Karzai, who obtained the most votes in the April provincial council election, was a leading tribal elder and a close aide to frontrunner in the presidential election Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
Hashmat was killed by a young man who hid explosives in his headgear on Tuesday outside Kandahar City.
Hashmat was welcoming guests congratulating him on the occasion of the religious festival at his fortified residence. The well-dressed bomber was allowed to enter the venue among other guests. He blew up himself as Hashmat greeted him.
A memorial service was held in Karz area of Dand district for the late Hashmat. Both presidential runners and a number of famous faces like Hanif Atmar, Anawarul Haq Ahadi, Wahidullah Sabawoon, Gul Agha Sherzai, Mahmoud Karzai, Shah Wali Karzai and dozens of tribal elders attended the service.
Ahmadzai prayed for the departed soul of Hashmat Karzai to rest in peace and called him as his brother. “I lost my right hand,” he said.
He said the assassination of Khalil was a conspiracy against the Afghan nation, saying only unity could help the Afghans overcome all the challenges they faced, something he would seriously work for in the future.
He promised tribal elders that he would strive to create an atmosphere of peace and national unity in order to realise the dream of a lasting peace.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah voiced his deep concern over the killing of Hashmat Karzai, saying he was one of his close friends.
He said helping people was one of Hashmat’s best characteristics. The victim’s brother, Hikmat Karzai, thanked Abdullah and Ahmadzai for extending their condolences to the Karzai family.
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