30,000 Afghans will perform Hajj this year: Minister

KABUL (Pajhwok): Hajj and Religious Affairs Minister Dr. Noor Mohammad Saqib has said that 30,000 persons from Afghanistan will travel to Saudi Arabia this year to perform Hajj.

Addressing a gathering here, Minister Saqib said the Hajj quota is arranged based on the traveler's demand.

He said besides common people, Mujahidin, personnel of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) administration, heirs of martyrs disabled and migrants had been considered in the Hajj quota.

He said $3,865 accounted for 277,000  estimated as Hajj cost for each traveler, adding that individuals from the Shia sect will have to pay an additional $50.

He said this year Saudi Arabia allocated the Hajj quota for 30,000 Afghans, adding that talks had been held with Saudi officials for the increase of the Hajj quota for Afghans.

Minister Saqib said that gathering points at the Zone level had been organised and this year Hajj flights will take off from four zones --- Kabul, Herat, Balkh and Kandahar.

Referring to the transfer of Afghan pilgrims, he said contracts in this regard had been inked with Kam Air and Aryana Airlines.

He said contracts with companies in Saudi Arabia had been inked based on which Afghan pilgrims would be provided with transport, residency and other facilities.

Mawlavi Attaullah Khadem, head of the Hajj, Umra Department, said 3941 Mujahidin will perform Hajj this year.

He added an exact number was not known so far but an estimated 8,000 women will also perform Hajj this year.

He said this year 3,843 persons had registered for Hajj, adding that 50,000 persons who earlier registered still awaited their turn.

He said the first Hajj flight will take place on the first date of Zulqaida from Kabul to Saudi Arabia.

It is pertinent to mention that last year Saudi Arabia provided 30,000 Hajj quota to Afghanistan.

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