Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to depart for Tehran on Wednesday to attend the funeral of the late Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on May 19.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday confirmed PM Shehbaz’s participation in the funeral ceremony in Tehran, where leaders from various nations, particularly Muslim-majority countries, are anticipated to be in attendance.
The helicopter crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Governor of East Azerbaijan Province Malek Rahmati, head of Raisi’s bodyguard team Mehdi Mousavi, and Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in the province Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem.
Expressing profound sorrow over the loss, the Pakistani government conveyed its condolences to Iran, with the Prime Minister’s Office extending heartfelt sympathies and solidarity to the Iranian government and people. In honor of President Raisi and his companions, Pakistan will observe a day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, recalling President Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan, emphasized the strong bonds between the two nations, describing Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian as “good friends of Pakistan.”
Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif visited the Iranian embassy to convey condolences to the bereaved families and express solidarity with the Iranian people during this time of grief.
The funeral ceremony is slated for Wednesday in Tehran, with Shehbaz Sharif expected to pay his respects. Iran has declared five days of mourning, with Thursday set as a public holiday and a large funeral to be held in Tehran, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Following this, Raisi will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday, concluding with Friday being the final day of official mourning.
In solidarity, the Pakistani government passed a resolution in the National Assembly, condemning Raisi’s death and expressing support for the Iranian people.
Sharif’s visit to Tehran symbolizes Pakistan’s solidarity and aims to strengthen bilateral ties with Iran.
