Nation to observe day of mourning on Raisi’s demise

President, PM express shock and profound grief over the loss of good friend

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic death of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, as the government announced a day of mourning in the country.

In their separate messages of condolences they sympathised with the Iranian nation on the death of their president.

They prayed to Almighty Allah for the martyred souls’ peace, and for the Iranian nation to overcome this tragedy with customary courage.

President Ebrahim Raisi and 7 others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, died in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest on Sunday. The deaths were confirmed by Iranian government on Monday morning.

While extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the Iranian president, the foreign minister, and others who lost their lives in the accident, Zardari described the tragic incident a great loss, not only for Iran but also for the entire Muslim Ummah.

“Today, Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend. Just last month, we had the honour of hosting him in Pakistan.

During our discussions, I found him very keen on strengthening our bilateral relations, the president said.

Read The future of Pak-Iran relations after Ebrahim Raisi

The president paid tribute to Raisi’s dedicated services to the Ummah, highlighting his steadfast advocacy for the unity of Muslims. He emphasised that the Islamic World had lost a remarkable leader who deeply felt the sufferings of the Muslims globally, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmiri people.

“Agha Raisi always had a special place for Pakistan and its people, in whichever position he served whether as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran or as Custodian of Imam Raza’s (AS) Shrine,” President Zardari stated.

“President Raisi will be dearly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and the Islamic World for his efforts to enhance relations with regional and Islamic countries. May Allah Almighty bless his soul and grant patience and strength to his family and the people of Iran in this time of irreparable loss.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that 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 country of Iran"

He recalled that Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago and remembered them as “good friends of Pakistan.”

Shehbaz Sharif also visited the Iranian embassy. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Iran in the time of sorrow and grief. “Our sympathies and prayers are with the family members of the martyrs and the people of Iran,” Shehbaz said.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the martyrdom of my brother, President of Iran, Dr Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amirabdollahian,” the prime minister said during his visit.

The prime minister described Raisi a brilliant scholar, a visionary leader and “a sincere brother with high qualities”. He added that his services to his own nation as well as to the strengthening of Pakistan-Iran relations and regional cooperation would always be remembered.

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Pakistani nation for standing with his country during the difficult time. He said President Raisi also considered Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the best human being and a friend of Iran.