Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Iran on Friday to attend the funeral prayers of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Foreign Office. The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued support and solidarity with its neighboring country during a sensitive time in the region.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed during the weekly press briefing in Islamabad that the prime minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar along with other senior federal cabinet members. He stated that Pakistan stands firmly with Iran and will continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
According to Iranian state media, Ali Khamenei was killed during the first wave of Israeli and US strikes on Iran earlier this year. His funeral prayers are scheduled to begin in Tehran on July 4, while his burial will take place on July 9 in Mashhad, his hometown.
After completing his Iran visit, PM Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Turkiye on the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During his visit, the prime minister is expected to address an important business conference in Istanbul, focusing on trade and economic cooperation.
The Foreign Office also shared updates on the ongoing US-Iran negotiations taking place in Doha. Andrabi revealed that Pakistani mediators have facilitated discussions between both sides, resulting in positive progress under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan, alongside Qatar, will continue to support the peace talks.
On regional security, the spokesperson confirmed that Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires was summoned after the recent attack on a Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi. Pakistan expressed serious concerns over the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist activities and announced strict action against undocumented individuals residing in the country.
The Foreign Office also warned that any attempt to use water as a political weapon could seriously threaten regional peace and stability.
