Political analyst Salim Paigar was shot and critically wounded in an armed attack near his home in Kabul on Thursday, according to sources close to his family. He was taken to the Emergency Hospital, where doctors said his condition remains serious.

The shooting occurred near Hanzala Mosque in the Shahr-e-Naw district, one of the capital's busy neighborhoods. Witnesses said neighbors rushed to his aid after hearing gunfire and managed to overpower and detain the suspected assailant until security forces arrived.

Medical sources confirmed that Paigar suffered a gunshot wound to the head and underwent emergency surgery. Taliban officials later confirmed the attack and said the analyst was being treated under close medical supervision.

Sources inside the hospital reported that Taliban authorities have restricted access to Paigar, preventing family members and acquaintances from visiting him. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no group has yet claimed responsibility.

Paigar, a well-known commentator in Kabul, had publicly supported some Taliban policies but had also voiced criticism over issues such as the closure of girls' schools. His nuanced position reportedly drew attention from various political factions.

Analysts say the attack reflects the deteriorating security situation in Kabul, where targeted violence against journalists, civil activists, and commentators has surged in recent months.

Human rights groups have urged an impartial investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that continued attacks on public figures will deepen fear and further stifle freedom of expression in Afghanistan.

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