Pakistan flew its flags at half-mast on Monday to mourn the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions.
“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 announced on social media platform X.
Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border.
The charred wreckage of the helicopter, which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, was found early on Monday after an overnight search conducted in blizzard conditions. Raisi’s death was confirmed in a statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television.
Less than a month ago, Pakistan hosted President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit. During a ceremony in Karachi, Raisi had remarked that no power in the world could undermine the relations between Iran and Pakistan. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Karachi.
In light of Raisi’s death, PM Shehbaz Sharif said he had been “anxiously” following developments regarding the crash. “Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be. I, along with the government and people of Pakistan, extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss. May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage.”
Additionally, the two countries had recently agreed to enhance their bilateral trade volume to $10 billion over the next five years, marking a significant step in their diplomatic relations and economic cooperation.
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