Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on behalf of the government, and people of Pakistan and himself on the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

In a post on X, Shehbaz wrote that he had been "anxiously" following the developments regarding the reported crash landing of Raisi's helicopter. "Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be. May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage," he said.

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

Shehbaz recalled how Pakistan hosted Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian "on a historic visit" less than a month ago. "They were good friends of Pakistan," he remarked.

The prime minister also announced that Pakistan would observe a day of mourning, and the national flag would fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Iran.

President Zardari

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic death of his Iranian counterpart, who perished in a helicopter crash on Sunday along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and other officials on board.

In a heartfelt message, President Zardari extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Iran. He highlighted President Raisi's service to the Muslim world, emphasizing his "steadfast advocacy for unity among Muslims and his unwavering support" for the causes of Palestinians and Kashmiris.

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic death of the President of Iran, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash yesterday.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 20, 2024

"Today, Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend," the President House said in a post on X, recalling the visit of the deceased to Pakistan last month. "During our discussions, I found him very keen on strengthening our bilateral relations. 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 (A.S) Shrine."

President Zardari described Raisi's passing as a significant loss not only for Iran, but for the entire Muslim world. He remarked that President Raisi will be dearly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and the broader Islamic world for his efforts to enhance relations with regional and Islamic countries.

President Zardari assured the Iranian nation of Pakistan's support during this difficult time, expressing confidence that the resilient Iranian people will overcome this tragedy with their customary courage.

Foreign Office

The Foreign Office spokesman said the Iranian president and foreign minister were considered friends of Pakistan, adding that during their visit to Pakistan in April, there was a positive discussion on Pakistan-Iran relations. "Pakistanis stand with the Iranian people."

The spokesperson said both the Iranian president and foreign minister had rendered many services for Pak-Iran relations. "Iran has also had a clear stance on new developments in the region, Saudi-Iran relations and massacres in Gaza," the statement said, adding that their deaths were a great shock for the Iranian people.

"The death of the Iranian president is a loss to the Iranian people and Pakistan as well," it added.