The federal cabinet on Tuesday adopted a resolution to express condolence over the demise of Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi, paying tribute to his services for the promotion of the Pakistan-Iran relations as well as for the region.

The federal cabinet, which met under the chair of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed its sadness over the death of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and others in the same tragic incident and said that the whole Pakistani nation sympathised with the bereaved families and the Iranian people in this difficult moment.

The prime minister, who read out the resolution, recalled late Raisi as a great scholar and a visionary leader saying that with his death, Pakistan had lost a sincere and brotherly friend.

Shehbaz said that late Dr Raisi’ services for his nation and promotion of Pakistan-Iran relations and regional cooperation would always be remembered.

“Dr Raisi’s visit to Pakistan last month was a milestone in further strengthening the bilateral relations. The moments spent with the late Iranian president during his Pakistan visit would always be remembered,” Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked.

The federal cabinet reiterated the resolve to carry forward Dr Raisi’s vision for a stronger Pakistan-Iran relationship.

The members prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls of Dr Raisi, the Iranian foreign minister and others.

Gilani visits Iranian embassy

Acting President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday paid a condolatory visit to the Iranian embassy here wherein he said that with the death of Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi, the whole Islamic Ummah had lost a great leader.

The acting president expressed deep grief on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan on the sad demise of Dr Raisi, the Iranian foreign minister and others in the helicopter accident, saying that the whole nation shared the grief of the Iranian brothers and sisters.

Talking to the Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, Acting President Gilani said that Pakistan and Iran enjoyed excellent relations based on historical, cultural, and literary linkages.

He remarked that both countries needed to promote people-to-people contacts and parliamentary exchanges to bring the two brotherly countries further closer.

He highlighted that President Raisi was a noble soul, a scholar and a great friend of Pakistan.

The Iranian ambassador said that Pakistan and Iran enjoyed excellent relations and promotion of ties with Pakistan was a cornerstone of Iran’s foreign policy.

He informed that the Supreme Leader of Iran placed special emphasis on promoting relations with Pakistan, saying that the recent visit of the late President Raisi took place in this context.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the people and government of Pakistan for their messages and sentiments sharing the grief of the Iranian people.

The acting president also penned condolatory remarks in the visitor’s book at the Iranian embassy.

Later, talking to the media, Gilani said that the whole Muslim world shared the grief of the Iranian people.

Gilani recalled his representation of Pakistan in the funeral prayer of Imam Khomeini, his frequent travels to Iran and his interaction with the country’s leadership.

Referring to his ancestors also coming from Iran, he said Pakistan and Iran shared many cultural and historical commonalities. Even our old Farman Namah in Multan – the 5,000 years old living city – is also in Persian, he added.