I RECENTLY visited Makkah after a gap of about four years. There has been a vast improvement in the arrangements around Masjid-i-Haram in terms of roads and tunnels, and a separate place for women for offering prayers. But I would like to point out the highrise buildings constructed (some are under construction) in the close proximity of the Haram, especially the building having a clock tower. These buildings are more dominating while overlooking the Masjid-i-Haram.

Even while sitting near Baitullah you can see the clock tower blinking during the Azan for Fajr and Isha prayers, thus distracting the attention of pilgrims. Some people could even be seen making videos of the clock tower and its blinking lights while sitting in the Haram-i-Kaba which should not be encouraged. The question is: do we really need a clock tower in this jet-age when everybody is wearing a wristwatch or has one on his mobile phone inside his pocket?

I suggest that there should be no highrise building within at least one km of Haram. If at all these are to be constructed, then their height should not be more than the Masjid-i-Haram.

KHALID Islamabad