Former Afghan Justice Minister Abdul Basir Anwar Dies at 74

DID Press: Abdul Basir Anwar, Afghanistan’s former justice minister and a prominent political figure, has died at the age of 74 in Ankara, according to family members and political associates.

His death on Wednesday prompted condolences from several Afghan political leaders and public figures. Atta Mohammad Noor described Anwar as a “committed, dedicated and respected figure” and praised his public service and political career.

Born in 1952 in Parwan Province, Anwar completed his secondary education at Naderia High School in Kabul before enrolling in the Faculty of Medicine at Kabul University. He later pursued higher studies in political science in Peshawar and Islamic studies in Multan, Pakistan.

Anwar was among the founders of the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan and became a senior member of Hezb-e Islami Afghanistan. He also participated in the Bonn Conference in 2001.

During the final years of the Mujahideen administration, he served as deputy and acting minister of public health. Between 2012 and 2015, he worked as a social affairs adviser to the Afghan presidency.

After receiving parliamentary approval, Anwar was appointed justice minister, a position he held for more than five years.

Following the collapse of the former Afghan republic in 2021, he left Afghanistan and settled in Turkey, where he remained until his death.

According to relatives, funeral prayers and burial ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Friday in Ankara.