A popular female singer from Afghanistan, who reportedly fled the Taliban regime in 2021 and took refuge in Pakistan, was assassinated by unknown gunmen late Sunday night. The news of 38-year-old Hasiba Noori’s death in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was first reported by local media in Afghanistan, has created a stir in both countries.

Noori was a renowned Pashtun singer who had been featured on Afghan channels like Ariana Television and AMC TV. She was known for adding a modern twist to traditional folk songs, and was among the many women performers and celebrities who fled the country fearing the oppressive Taliban regime.

Her friend and fellow Afghani singer, Khosbo Ahmadi, posted a picture of Hasiba’s dead body on her Instagram handle while expressing condolences but did not share details.

Authorities in Pakistan have launched an investigation into the incident.

A similar incident took place in 2021 when Afghan folk singer Fawad Andarabi was killed by Taliban in north of Kabul. His son had informed the media that the singer was ‘shot in the head’ at a family farm in northern Baghlan province.

(With inputs from agencies)