Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for the Islamic Republic of Iran to express condolences on the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. Both officials were among those killed in a helicopter crash in the Eastern Azerbaijan province of Iran on Sunday.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. During his visit, Prime Minister Sharif will meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Imam Khamenei and Acting President Dr. Mohammad Mokhber to convey condolences on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan.
Earlier on Wednesday, funeral prayers for President Raisi, the foreign minister, and others who perished in the helicopter crash were led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The prayers were conducted at Tehran University, where the caskets, draped in Iranian flags and adorned with pictures, were displayed. A black turban placed on President Raisi’s coffin symbolized his lineage to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). President Raisi will be buried in his hometown of Mashhad.
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Iran declared five days of mourning following the crash and encouraged public attendance at mourning sessions. Such events typically see large participation from government employees, schoolchildren, and the general public, drawn by a mix of patriotism, curiosity, and the desire to witness historic moments.
This tragic event has brought an outpouring of grief and solidarity from the international community, highlighting the deep connections and mutual respect between Iran and its allies.
