The Afghan interim minister for air transport and tourism, who was beaten to death at Kabul airport, was assassinated, Information Minister Raheen Makhdoom said today.
"This tragic incident was the result of a personal vendetta and private hostilities of a group of people. It has no political roots," he told a news conference in Kabul.
Dr Abdul Rahman was killed in an assassination attempt at the airport yesterday, he added, naming those he considered responsible.
Dr Rahman was pulled off an airliner at Kabul airport last night and beaten to death by what were thought to be enraged Muslim pilgrims frustrated at not being able to travel to Mecca for the haj.