Al-Qaeda has named computer literate Farman Ali Shinwari, a resident of the restive Khyber tribal region and whose brothers have been associated with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, as its new chief in Pakistan.
A statement was issued by the al-Qaeda leadership about Shinwari being chosen the new head of the terrorist network in Pakistan, The News quoted its sources as saying on Monday.
Unnamed local officials confirmed the development, the report said.
The statement issued by al-Qaeda's Dawa Wing said 30-year-old Shinwari was made the head of the network in Pakistan after consultations and approval by the top al-Qaeda leadership.
The statement cited Shinwari's knowledge about Pakistan's tribal belt and his close affiliation with slain al-Qaeda commander Badr Mansoor as reasons for his appointment. Shinwari was close to Badr Mansoor, the al-Qaeda leader who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in North Waziristan on February 9 last year.
Four of his brothers have been involved in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir with groups like the Harkat-ul-Ansar. A resident of Landikotal in Khyber agency, Shinwari is fluent in English and computer literate. — PTI
