Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their profound grief and sorrow over the tragic deaths of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who perished in a helicopter crash. The leaders conveyed their condolences to the families of those lost in the accident, marking a day of mourning in Pakistan to honor their memories.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, President Zardari praised President Raisi’s unwavering dedication to the unity of the Muslim Ummah and his significant role in supporting the Muslim cause globally, especially for the Palestinian and Kashmiri people. “Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend,” stated President Zardari, recalling President Raisi’s recent visit and his strong ties with Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif also remembered both Iranian leaders as good friends of Pakistan, noting that the nation would fly its flags at half-mast as a mark of respect and solidarity with the Iranian people.

The Foreign Office, through spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran during this national tragedy, emphasizing the late leaders’ contributions towards strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and regional cooperation. “They visited Pakistan this April when important understandings were reached by the two sides to further solidify the bilateral ties,” Baloch said, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to continue fostering strong bonds with Iran as envisioned by the late leaders.