APROPOS the report `Iran says its pilgrims will not perform Haj` (June 30), it was reported that Saudi Arabia and Iran have again failed to reach a consensus over a row between themselves.
The problem is of making arrangements for the people of Iran to perform Haj this year. According to scholar Dr Javed Ahmed Ghamdi, neither country has the right to bar people of any territory from performing the pilgrimage as per the teachings of Islam. The issue originated when last year more than 400 Iranian pilgrims died while performing Haj and the recent execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia. Both the countries currently stand poles apart to reach a feasible solution.
At this critical juncture lies a golden opportunity for Pakistan to make efforts to lessen the tension between the two Muslim states. Along with making it possible for the Iranians to perform Haj and bringing peace in the region, Pakistan could earn significant economic returns, in addition to the goodwill of a peacemaker and an effective negotiator.
Further, Pakistan could ask Iran to join the latter`s Chabahar port development to increase regional economic participation.
It`ll also allow Pakistan to normalise ties with Afghanistan after the death of Mullah Mansour in a drone attack.
