Islamabad,(Parliament Times): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the responsibilities of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing hope that his leadership will steer the country toward peace, stability and prosperity.
In a letter addressed to the new leader, the prime minister also conveyed condolences to the Iranian leadership and people over the martyrdom of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, along with other members of his family, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Shehbaz said the people of Pakistan were deeply saddened by the loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and stand in solidarity with the leadership and citizens of Iran during this difficult time. He reiterated heartfelt condolences and prayers on behalf of the Pakistani nation for the brotherly people of Iran and the wider Muslim Ummah.
The prime minister expressed confidence that Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership would guide Iran toward peace, stability, dignity and development in the coming years.
Highlighting the close ties between the two countries, PM Shehbaz noted that relations between Pakistan and Iran are rooted in shared faith, history, culture and language. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iran in all areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both nations.
The prime minister also prayed for the health, success and well-being of the new Iranian leader and for lasting peace and prosperity for the Iranian people.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as the new head of the Iranian state. His appointment was announced shortly after midnight on Monday by the Assembly of Experts, Iran’s top clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader.
The 56-year-old cleric assumed the position following the martyrdom of his 86-year-old father in an airstrike carried out by the United States and Israel during the ongoing conflict.
A member of the council, Mohsen Heidari Alekasir, stated in a video message that the successor had been chosen in line with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s guidance that Iran’s leader should be someone “hated by the enemy.” He also referred to remarks by Donald Trump, who had earlier described Mojtaba as an “unacceptable” choice.
Other individuals reportedly considered for the position included Alireza Arafi, Mohsen Araki, and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic established in 1979.