Newshub
Auckland, January 28, 2018
An Auckland man has been killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan.
Hashem Slaimankhel, an Epsom resident, was visiting Kabul with his daughter-in-law when members of the Taliban drove an explosive-packed ambulance into a crowded street on Saturday (local time).
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At least 95 people were killed; and 158 people were injured.
· Taliban blows up ambulance, killing almost 100
· Islamic State attack kills 15 in Afghanistan
Mr Slaimankhel was a prominent member of the New Zealand Muslim Association.
He trained as a doctor in Afghanistan and worked for the Auckland District Health Board in refugee health and migrant resettlement. In 2011 he received an award to commemorate his work in family violence prevention and women’s rights.
He was due to fly back to New Zealand on Sunday, the day after the attack.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson told Newshub that they are providing assistance to his family.
Firoz Patel, secretary of the NZMA Ponsonby Mosque, told Newshub that Mr Slaimankhel was a well-respected figure in the community.
“He was a leader; he’d do anything for anybody at any time.”
He said that Mr Slaimankhel’s selflessness and generosity showed in his work with migrants and refugees.
“Our community is behind this great loss and all of us will work together to support the family. It is a big loss for the Auckland Muslim community and for New Zealand,” he said.
The above Report, which appeared in Newshub today, has been reproduced by Indian Newslink under a Special Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz
