Pakistan mourns Iranian President Raisi’s death; PM Shehbaz, President Zardari express sorrow
ISLAMABAD, May 20 (SABAH): Pakistan is observing a day of mourning on Monday to express solidarity with the people of Iran following the shocking news of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest.
“Pakistan will observe a day of mourning, and the flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a post on social media platform X, expressing shock over the demise.
“Had been anxiously following developments regarding the reported crash landing of President Raisi’s helicopter. Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be,” PM Shehbaz remarked as he extended deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian people on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.
Shehbaz prayed that may Allah grant the martyrs a high place in Jannat al-Firdous and give patience to their families and the Iranian nation for this tragedy.
“Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit less than a month ago. They were good friends of Pakistan,” the premier added in his post.
President Raisi visited Pakistan back in April and had productive talks with the country’s civil and military leadership, vowing to strengthen bilateral trade ties by expanding the trade volume to $10 billion.
Iranian state media confirmed the martyrdom of Raisi and his companions Monday morning after the helicopter carrying the Iranian president along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and others crashed in the Varzaqan region.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep shock over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, saying that the Islamic world has lost a great leader. “Today, Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend.”
The president expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of the Iranian president, foreign minister, and others. Zardari said that “last month we had the honour of hosting them in Pakistan. Raisi always gave a special place to Pakistan and its people; his death is a big loss not only for Iran but for the entire Muslim Ummah.”
The president said that “President Raisi will be remembered in Iran, Pakistan and the Islamic world for his efforts to strengthen relations with regional and Islamic countries.” Zardari prayed to Almighty Allah to grant patience to the bereaved family members over this irreparable loss and perseverance to the people of Iran in this moment of grief.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the foreign minister and other colleagues in a helicopter crash. Naqvi said in a statement that he was deeply saddened and shocked by the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. He said that the Iranian president was the best friend of Pakistan.
Naqvi recalled that his meeting with the Iranian president during his recent visit to Pakistan was memorable. He said that the services of the Iranian president in relation to Pakistan-Iran relations would always be remembered.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed sorrow over the tragic death of the Iranian president and his companions in a helicopter crash. “I offer my condolences to the people of Iran on the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their friends,” Bilawal said in a statement.