7 bullet-proof limos, airspace closed, US guards at palace: Kabul is ready to receive PM

Not just that, the airspace over Kabul will be shut for two hours when the PM’s flight arrives and also when it departs. Necessary co-ordination is under way with US forces here to ensure that by the time the PM’s plane enters Afghanistan, the airspace is fully sealed and there is no aircraft movement in the vicinity.

New Delhi, however, has far from outsourced the security function. The SPG has already flown in with a planeload of equipment, including jammers, and two Tata Safaris that will accompany the PM’s motorcade. It’s learnt that Rahul Gandhi will be given special protection during the visit though no separate engagements have so far been slotted for him.

With many of Kabul’s roads blocked for normal traffic by US and other international forces for security reasons, lengthy traffic jams have become a feature of this city. Still, both carriageways will be blocked when the Prime Minister moves.

On a couple of occasions, like the foundation-laying ceremony for the new Parliament House, Singh will be accompanied by Karzai and will possibly be travelling in the same car.

The PM, his wife Gursharan Kaur and his personal staff, will stay at Arg, the palace complex of President Karzai, while the rest of the delegation, including Rahul, will be put up in a Kabul hotel. The palace is heavily guarded with US forces in charge of his security.

It’s believed that Karzai, who has visited India thrice, requested Singh on two previous occasions to make a trip to Kabul. He was particularly keen that the PM not make a brief stopover but stay as his guest. He has organized a private lunch on Sunday for the PM and then a banquet in the evening.

The PM’s wife will not be accompanying Singh to all places and in fact has a meeting with Masooda Jalal, the Minister for Women Affairs. She will also donate 500 sewing machines to Afghan women.

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