KABUL, 29 December 2002 — A record number of Afghan pilgrims will visit Makkah in 2003, officials said yesterday.
Some 25,000 Afghans are expected to make the Haj journey to Islam’s holiest site, more than double the number for any previous year, said Deputy Minister of Haj Atta Ullrahman Salim.
Salim said meticulous preparations had already been made ahead of the January-to-March Haj period to ensure there would be no security problems. In February this year, the first Haj enjoyed by Afghans since the fall of the hardline Taliban regime was overshadowed by the assassination of aviation and tourism minister Abdul Rahman by a mob at Kabul’s airport. Rahman was attacked as he boarded a flight to India and his body set upon by a mob of angry pilgrims in what was a major embarrassment to the fledgling government of President Hamid Karzai. His death has been blamed both on a plot within the government and the frustration of hundreds of would-be pilgirms left waiting days at the bomb-scarred airport for flights to take them to Makkah.
“This time the situation is completely different. Back then we only had one plane which was not in a very good condition,” Salim said. “There was also no Saudi Arabian Embassy in Kabul and the men from their consulate arrived very late.” Salim said administration and logistical problems with the national airline Ariana meant only 6,500 of 15,000 applicants were able to make the Haj journey.
“This year everything is well-ordered. We have several Ariana planes and representatives of the airline have already gone to Jeddah to smooth things over with officials there. “We will not send Hajis until we are 100 percent sure the flight is fixed and on time,” he said, adding that extra security checks would be in place and more police would be on duty at the airport. “On average, Afghanistan has around 12,000 Hajis every year. This year we have 25,000 which is a record for the country,” Salim said.
British Commander Geoff Wintle of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which patrols Kabul, said some 10,000 of the pilgrims are expected to travel to Makkah via Kabul’s international airport with others making alternative travel arrangements. “ISAF will be assisting with some light engineering, mainly assistance to authorities in keeping the airport open in adverse weather conditions,” Wintle said.
Our engineers will also be installing generators and a lighting system for the six accommodation blocks that will be used as a reception centre.”
The cost of the pilgrimage from Afghanistan to Saudi Arabia, including flights and hotels, is $1,500, putting it well beyond the means of most of the country’s impoverished population. (AFP)
