TEHRAN In a statement issued yesterday, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad announced that the Iranian government will permit the passage of Afghan pilgrims through Iran's airspace.

Meanwhile, some Pakistani newspapers including, ****Dawn***, wrongly reported that Iran has not given permission to planes carrying Afghan pilgrims to Mecca to pass through its airspace.

The Pakistani news stories cited Taleban sources.

The press attache of the Iranian Embassy, while rejecting such news, emphasized that, considering the spiritual and humanitarian aspects of the issue, the Islamic Republic made strenuous efforts and, according to the United Nations Resolution, issued permission in due time.

According to the Pakistani press, 15,000 Afghans are expected to perform their Hajj ritual this year.