TEHRAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in the funeral rites of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, at the invitation of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. The solemn event saw a high-level Pakistani delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and senior government officials.
During his address, the Prime Minister paid homage to Ayatollah Khamenei’s enduring legacy and his vital role in guiding Iran with wisdom and foresight over decades. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership, particularly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Iranian people, emphasizing Pakistan’s solidarity during this period of national mourning. The Prime Minister prayed for Allah’s mercy on the departed leader.
The funeral was also attended by a parliamentary delegation headed by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, along with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah. After participating in the ceremonies, the Prime Minister, who had arrived in Tehran earlier, left for Istanbul to undertake an official visit to Turkey.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who also attended the funeral, was formally farewelled by Iranian civil and military officials, including Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. The Chief of Army Staff departed for Pakistan following his participation in the rites.
Earlier, Pakistani officials, including Naqvi and Munir, arrived in Tehran to attend the funeral. Naqvi, who traveled from Saudi Arabia, was received warmly by Iranian authorities, and the two discussed matters of mutual interest during a meeting.
The Pakistani delegation’s presence underscored the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two nations. During his visit, Naqvi also conveyed condolences on behalf of Pakistan and reaffirmed the importance of continued bilateral ties during this critical time for Iran.
