Islamabad, May 20, 2024: On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would observe a “Day of Mourning” following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province.
In a statement to X, the Prime Minister expressed that the Pakistani flag would be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect for President Ebrahim Raisi, his companions, and in solidarity with Iran.
“Pakistan had the honor of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit less than a month ago. They were dear friends of Pakistan. 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 our Brotherly Iran,” the Prime Minister conveyed on X.
Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago. They were good friends of Pakistan. Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for… https://t.co/fVP26Mtiyr
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 20, 2024
In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari paid homage to President Raisi’s dedicated service to the Muslim Ummah, underscoring his unwavering advocacy for Muslim unity.
He stressed that the Islamic world has lost an exceptional leader who consistently supported the Muslim cause and empathized deeply with the global Muslim community, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmiri people.
President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s mourning over the loss of a valued friend. Reflecting on Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan, Zardari noted the Iranian president’s special regard for Pakistan and its people.
Describing Ebrahim Raisi’s passing as a significant loss not only for Iran but for the entire Muslim Ummah, President Zardari emphasized that Raisi will be greatly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and across the Islamic world for his efforts to strengthen relations with regional and Islamic countries.
Raisi, 63, assumed the presidency in 2021 after a second attempt.
In April, Raisi visited Islamabad for a three-day official visit aimed at bolstering ties between the two Muslim neighbors following earlier military tensions. During the visit, Raisi held delegation-level meetings and one-on-one discussions with Pakistan’s prime minister, president, army chief, Senate chairman, and National Assembly speaker. Additionally, he oversaw the signing of eight agreements covering various fields such as trade, science, technology, agriculture, health, culture, and judicial matters between the two nations.
