Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during his visit to Tehran, saying Muslims around the world would remember him as a great scholar and leader.
Speaking to Iranian media, the prime minister praised the late leader’s steadfastness, courage, patience and vision. He said Ayatollah Khamenei had served Iran with sincerity and unwavering commitment throughout his life.
“Not only the people of Iran, but millions of Muslims across the world will remember him as a great leader,” Shehbaz said, adding that the Pakistani delegation had travelled to Iran to convey its heartfelt condolences and solidarity following his death.
The prime minister also extended sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, saying many Iranian citizens had also been killed as a result of “brutal aggression.”
Reaffirming the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran, Shehbaz described the two countries as brotherly Muslim nations.
“Pakistan and Iran are brotherly Islamic countries. Our hearts beat together, and we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with one another,” he said while conveying condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz attended the funeral of the late Iranian Supreme Leader at the invitation of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign 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, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and other senior government officials.
During the visit, the prime minister met Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, where he conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran’s leadership and its people. He also offered prayers for the departed leader.
A separate parliamentary delegation, led by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, also attended the funeral. The delegation included members of parliament, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and other senior officials.
