Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday embarked on a two-country official visit to Iran and Türkiye, beginning his trip with a stop in Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister is travelling to Iran to participate in the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28.
Joining the prime minister are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
During his stay in Tehran, Prime Minister Shehbaz will convey condolences to Iran’s leadership and the families of those affected on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. He is also expected to reiterate Pakistan’s support and solidarity with Iran as the country observes a period of national mourning.
Earlier in the day, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani reached Tehran with a senior delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial ceremony of the late Iranian leader. The delegation was welcomed by Iranian officials upon its arrival in the capital, according to state-run Pakistan Television (PTV).
Following the conclusion of his engagements in Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz will travel to Istanbul at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During their meeting, the two leaders are expected to discuss the full spectrum of Pakistan-Türkiye relations, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade, increasing investment and expanding economic cooperation. They are also likely to exchange views on regional peace, security and other issues of mutual concern.
As part of his visit to Türkiye, the prime minister will address a business forum organised to highlight Pakistan’s investment potential. The conference will feature opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), energy, trade, information technology and the government’s privatisation programme, with the aim of encouraging greater foreign investment in the country.
