Pakistani minister says Mullah Omar didn't die in Pakistan
Kabul had announced that the Taliban leader died two years ago at a Karachi hospital
Islamabad: Pakistan's defence minister says the former head of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Mohammad Omar, did not die in Pakistan as Kabul announced last week.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif was quoted by state media as saying Friday that "we totally deny that Mullah Omar died in Quetta or Karachi."
Instead, Asif insists Mullah Omar died in Afghanistan and was buried there.
Kabul had announced that the reclusive Taliban leader died two years ago at a Karachi hospital. The Taliban leadership later confirmed his death without providing such details.
None of the reports could be independently confirmed. The Taliban have been in turmoil following confirmation of the death of their leader.
Asif's remarks appear to be part of Pakistan's efforts to dispel the impression Mullah Omar died after being treated in Pakistan.