TEHRAN (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tehran on Friday on a one-day official visit to attend the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where he conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan and reaffirmed Islamabad’s solidarity with Iran during its period of national mourning.
The prime minister represented Pakistan at the state funeral alongside a high-level delegation that included National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Upon his arrival in Tehran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was received by senior Iranian officials before proceeding to attend the official funeral ceremonies, which brought together heads of state, senior government representatives, diplomats, and religious leaders from several countries.
During meetings with Iranian leaders, the prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and extended heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and people. He emphasized that Pakistan stood firmly with Iran during this difficult period and prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity for the neighboring country.
Officials said the visit reflected the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran, which share historical, cultural, religious, and economic ties. The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining close engagement with Iran on matters of mutual interest.
The funeral ceremonies were held amid heightened regional attention following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, whose leadership shaped Iran’s domestic and foreign policies for decades. Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran as the country observed official days of mourning, while similar ceremonies and public gatherings were planned in other Iranian cities.
Iranian authorities organized extensive arrangements for the funeral, including security measures, transportation facilities, and accommodation for visiting dignitaries and participants arriving from across the country and abroad. State institutions described the ceremonies as a symbol of national unity and resilience.
The funeral was attended by political leaders and official delegations from numerous countries, reflecting the international significance of the occasion. Iranian officials welcomed the participation of foreign leaders and thanked friendly nations for expressing solidarity during the country’s time of grief.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit also underscored Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with regional partners during evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Analysts noted that Islamabad has consistently advocated dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and regional stability while maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries.
During his stay, the prime minister interacted with members of the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Tehran and received briefings on bilateral cooperation, including trade, border management, energy collaboration, and regional connectivity initiatives.
Government officials accompanying the prime minister also held informal interactions with their Iranian counterparts on issues of mutual concern, although no formal bilateral agreements were announced during the brief visit.
Following the completion of the funeral ceremonies and official engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed Tehran for Istanbul to continue his scheduled bilateral visit to Türkiye. During the visit, he is expected to hold meetings with Turkish leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional developments, trade, investment, and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Pakistan and Türkiye maintain close political, economic, and defense relations, and the prime minister’s visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors.
The back-to-back visits to Iran and Türkiye highlight Pakistan’s continued diplomatic outreach and engagement with key regional partners. Officials said Islamabad remains committed to promoting peace, regional cooperation, and constructive dialogue while strengthening relations with friendly countries.
The government described the prime minister’s participation in the funeral as a gesture of respect for the Iranian people and a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties based on mutual trust, shared interests, and longstanding friendship.
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