In a somber meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan met with Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to express his condolences on the tragic death of late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage in a helicopter crash. The crash occurred on Sunday on a fog-shrouded mountainside in northern Iran while the group was en route to the city of Tabriz after attending the inauguration of a dam project on the border with Azerbaijan.
Following the crash, a massive search and rescue operation was launched, with assistance from Turkey, Russia, and the European Union. The Iranian military later announced that domestically produced drones had played a crucial role in locating the crash site. The untimely death of Raisi, who was 63 and widely expected to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader, has left a profound impact on both Iran and the international community.
During his meeting with Khamenei, PM Shehbaz commended Raisi as a visionary leader who demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving his country and people. He also highlighted Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan and emphasized the late president’s significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
PM Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people during this critical time and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering the bonds of friendship and brotherhood with Iran. He expressed determination to continue Raisi’s vision for enhancing bilateral relations and trade between the two nations. Additionally, the prime minister praised Raisi’s contributions to the unity of the Muslim world and his support for the besieged people of Gaza, recognizing that his legacy will be remembered in history.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to the Iranian supreme leader to visit Pakistan, further underscoring the importance of the relationship between the two countries. Khamenei expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s sentiments and reiterated Iran’s commitment to preserving and advancing the late president’s vision for the bilateral ties.
Prior to the meeting, PM Shehbaz attended a memorial ceremony for the late Iranian president and the others who tragically lost their lives in the crash. He offered prayers and paid tribute to Raisi’s contributions to the progress and prosperity of the Iranian nation, as well as to the promotion of Pak-Iran bilateral ties and regional efforts.
Upon his arrival at the airport, PM Shehbaz was received by Iranian Minister for Road and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash and Pakistan’s Ambassador in Tehran, Mudassir Tipu. The prime minister’s presence and heartfelt condolences reflect the deep sense of loss felt by the government and people of Pakistan, as well as the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Iran during this difficult time.
