KABUL - Some Meshrano Jirga members on Sunday strongly criticized hunting of endangered and rare birds, saying a number of Arab citizens had arrived in western Afghanistan to campaign for a particular presidential candidate under the pretext of hunting expedition.
Reportedly some Arab guests have arrived in western Herat province for hunting rare birds, which is banned under a presidential decree.
The report drew strong criticism from some upper house members.
Senator Maulvi Mahmud Danishjo said the Arabs illegally hunt animals and birds under the pretext of tourism.
“I have accurate information these Arabs have come as part of electioneering for a presidential candidate. They keep visiting the candidate and illegal hunt animals.”
His colleague Gulalai Ahmadi said the Arabs had their own vested interest in supporting a particular presidential candidate.
He asked the government to prevent the Arabs from hunting animals and birds and determine their motive behind travelling to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, senator Gul Ahmad Azimi said hunting of birds was not allowed in Afghanistan, but Arabs continued to come and hunt them. He said it was a shame that the government was not aware of the matter.
“Afghanistan is not a place for luxury. We are being burnt in the fire of war, but the Arabs come here to enjoy and hunt birds and animals.”
Lailuma Ahmadi accused the government of encouraging foreigners to come to Afghanistan and violate the country’s laws.
She said if the Arabs had come to campaign and support a specific candidate in the April presidential elections, the Meshrano Jirga should make its stance known on the issue.
The senators did not name any candidate, but the Arabs have reportedly been invited by former water and power minister Mohammad Ismail Khan, who is contesting the presidential elections as one of Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf’s running mates.
However, Daud Kalakani, a campaigner for Sayyaf, spurned the allegations against Khan as baseless, saying he had not invited the Arabs to visit Afghanistan. (Pajhwok)