Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Tehran on Friday for a one-day visit to attend the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He is leading a high-level Pakistani delegation.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has also arrived in Tehran to attend the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting strong military and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Strong Bilateral Solidarity
Pakistan’s High-Level Representation
The prime minister was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and several parliamentarians.
Upon arrival at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport, PM Shehbaz was received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Pakistan’s Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, and senior officials from both sides.
During his brief stay, the prime minister will participate in the last rites and extend condolences on behalf of the Pakistani government and people. This gesture underscores Islamabad’s deep solidarity with its neighbour during this time of mourning.
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had already reached Tehran to attend the funeral ceremonies. Delegations from nearly 100 countries, including heads of state, civil society groups, and public figures, are participating in the state funeral.
The visit reflects Pakistan’s consistent policy of maintaining close ties with Iran. Both nations share historical, cultural, and geographical bonds that remain vital for regional stability. After concluding engagements in Tehran, PM Shehbaz will travel to Istanbul on a bilateral visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In Istanbul, he will hold high-level meetings with Turkish leadership and address a business conference. The event will highlight investment opportunities in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones, energy, IT, trade, and privatisation sectors.
This dual visit comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy. Strengthening relations with key neighbours and partners remains central to addressing security and economic challenges.
Iran’s loss of its long-serving Supreme Leader has drawn global attention. Pakistan’s prominent participation signals strong fraternal ties and shared commitment to mutual support. Observers see the trip as an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues, including trade, energy cooperation, and border security. Enhanced connectivity could benefit both economies in the coming years. PM Shehbaz’s itinerary blends solemn diplomatic duties with forward-looking economic outreach. It demonstrates Pakistan’s proactive engagement on multiple fronts.