Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Iran during the first week of July to attend the funeral prayers of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to informed sources.
The visit has not yet been officially announced by the Government of Pakistan, but sources say preparations are underway for the prime minister’s trip.
The funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei is scheduled to take place on July 9 after several days of official mourning and funeral ceremonies in Iran.
Funeral Ceremonies Planned Across Iran
According to reports, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed during the opening hours of the conflict that began on February 28, when a strike targeted a meeting of senior Iranian officials in Tehran.
Reports also stated that several members of his family, including his daughter, daughter-in-law, and at least one grandchild, were among those killed in the attack.
Iranian state media has reported that funeral ceremonies will begin in Tehran, continue in the holy city of Qom, and conclude on July 9 in Khamenei’s hometown of Mashhad, where he is expected to be laid to rest.
According to the reports, his son, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, survived the attack despite sustaining injuries and later assumed the position of Supreme Leader. He has not yet made a public appearance.
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Possible Visit to Türkiye
Sources further indicated that following his visit to Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to travel to Türkiye.
Although no official schedule has been released, the proposed visit is expected to focus on bilateral relations and regional developments.
Türkiye has publicly supported diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East during the recent conflict.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role
Pakistan’s relations with Iran have strengthened in recent months amid its diplomatic engagement during the regional crisis.
According to the report, Islamabad played a mediatory role in efforts aimed at reducing hostilities and encouraging dialogue between the parties involved in the conflict.
The report also states that senior officials from Washington and Tehran held high-level discussions in Islamabad earlier this year and that both sides have publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue.
If confirmed, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit would underscore Pakistan’s continued engagement with regional partners and its emphasis on diplomacy and dialogue during a period of significant geopolitical change in the Middle East.
