QUETTA, July 17: A former Taliban commander, Zainuddin Achakzai, was gunned down by unknown people in the Pashtoonabad area on the outskirts of Quetta on Thursday.

According to police sources, Haji Zainuddin was on his way to a mosque to perform his morning prayers when two men opened indiscriminate fire on him. He died on the spot and his assailants fled from the scene.

Hospital sources said Haji Zainuddin received eight bullet wounds. Police said the murder could be the result of an old enmity. However, Murtaza Achakzai, Zainuddin’s younger brother, ruled out the possibility, saying his brother had no enmity with anyone.

Haji Zainuddin had been living with his family in Alakozai Colony in Pashtoonabad for the last 12 years. He was described as an important commander under the former Taliban regime.

A case has been registered against unknown assailants and an investigation has been launched. No arrest was reported till Thursday night.