Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed solidarity with Iran’s leadership and people, congratulating Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the responsibilities of supreme leader following the martyrdom of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a letter written on Tuesday, the prime minister conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan to the Iranian nation and the wider Muslim Ummah over the loss of the former supreme leader.

Sharif said the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had deeply saddened the Pakistani people, adding that Pakistan stood firmly with Iran’s leadership and citizens during this difficult time.

“I congratulate His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his assumption of the responsibilities of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Sharif said in a message shared on social media platform X.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s “deepest condolences and prayers” over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other members of his family.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the new supreme leader would guide Iran towards peace, stability, dignity and prosperity in the coming years.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Iran to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the two brotherly countries.

President conveys good wishes

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed his good wishes to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei following his election and appointment as Iran’s supreme leader.

According to a statement from the President Secretariat, Zardari noted that the region was facing serious tensions and conflict, expressing hope that the situation would stabilise and conditions would improve for the people of the region.