Pakistan will send a high-level delegation to the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his assassination earlier this year.
Pakistan will send an official delegation to attend the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday, underscoring Islamabad’s close ties with Tehran following the cleric’s assassination in US-Israeli strikes earlier this year.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Sharif revealed that he held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday evening. According to the prime minister, the Iranian leader repeatedly thanked Pakistan for its support during challenging times and extended an invitation to attend Khamenei’s funeral ceremony scheduled for July 3-4.
Sharif told lawmakers that while he may not attend personally, Pakistan would be represented at the highest level.
“I assured President Pezeshkian that Pakistan’s delegation will be present at the funeral to demonstrate the deep respect and admiration we hold for Ayatollah Khamenei,” Sharif said.
The Pakistani premier also highlighted Islamabad’s role in facilitating the recent peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a major diplomatic achievement for the country.
He claimed Pakistan’s international standing had risen significantly because of its mediation efforts, saying the country’s name was now being spoken with “respect and honour” across regions ranging from East Asia and the Middle East to Europe and the Americas.
Sharif reserved special praise for Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in advancing peace efforts that ultimately contributed to the US-Iran agreement. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
In addition to discussing foreign policy developments, the prime minister announced a substantial reduction in fuel prices, describing it as a measure aimed at providing relief to citizens.