Minister killed by mob of pilgrims

Afghanistan's tourism minister was dragged from a plane and killed by Muslim pilgrims enraged over flight delays to Mecca, the interim government confirmed today.

It happened when the minister, Abdul Rahman, went to Kabul airport yesterday for a flight to New Delhi, according to accounts by government and Afghan airline officials. Hundreds of pilgrims, stranded at the airport awaiting Saudi visas and transport to Mecca - some having waited for days - blocked his plane, beginning a five-hour stand-off.

When Mr Rahman left the aircraft to try to calm the mob, they set upon him and he was fatally injured. Several pilgrims were also hurt during a clash with his bodyguards.

"We lost a good man," said an aide to Rahman, Mohammed Yakoub Nuristani. "He wanted to help rebuild Afghanistan."

The killing raises questions about whether the interim government of Hamid Karzai is capable of establishing security.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived in Kabul today. He decided to go ahead with the visit after receiving assurances over his security, a Foreign Office spokesman said.