Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir attended funeral ceremonies in Tehran for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday, leading a high-level delegation that expressed solidarity with Iran during the mourning events.
The Pakistani leadership joined Iranian officials and regional dignitaries at the Grand Mosalla Imam Khomeini, where the funeral prayers and associated ceremonies were held.
Upon arrival, the Pakistani delegation was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the visit.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the venue, where they conveyed condolences over Khamenei’s death and expressed sympathy with the Iranian leadership and public.
During the visit, the Pakistani leadership offered prayers and paid tribute to the late Iranian leader, highlighting his role for the Muslim world, according to official statements.
Sharif told President Pezeshkian that Khamenei’s death represented a significant loss not only for Iran but for the wider Muslim community, adding that Pakistan stood in solidarity with the Iranian people in their time of grief.
Separately, Field Marshal Asim Munir held a meeting with Iran’s defence minister on the sidelines of the ceremony, further reinforcing military-level engagement between the two countries.
The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
In addition, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq led parliamentary delegations, joined by other lawmakers who also attended the funeral proceedings.
Officials said the visit reflected Pakistan’s intent to maintain close ties with Iran amid evolving regional dynamics. Leaders from both sides emphasized continued cooperation and mutual respect during their interactions.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif departed for Istanbul to begin his scheduled official visit to Türkiye, marking the next leg of his diplomatic tour.
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