Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Condoles Death of Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued his first official reaction following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Sharif expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the government and people of Iran, describing the event as a significant violation of international norms. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following large-scale airstrikes on Tehran and other parts of Iran. According to officials, the 86-year-old leader was killed during joint military operations conducted on Saturday.

Official Statement from the Prime Minister

In a post shared on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government and people of Pakistan stand with Iran in this hour of grief, while he conveyed his deepest condolences on what he termed the 'martyrdom' of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. Sharif noted that Pakistan shares the pain of the Iranian people and prayed for the departed soul. He further expressed hope that the Iranian nation would find the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.

Concerns Regarding International Legal Norms

The Prime Minister also voiced serious concerns regarding the breach of international legal frameworks. He emphasized that it's a long-standing global tradition and diplomatic principle that heads of state or government shouldn't be targeted in such a manner. According to the Pakistani leadership, such actions undermine global stability and pose a direct threat to regional peace. Sharif stressed that the respect for sovereignty must remain the cornerstone of international relations to prevent further escalation.

Violent Unrest and Casualties in Karachi

Following the news of Khamenei's death, widespread protests broke out across several cities in Pakistan, while the situation turned violent in Karachi when a group of protesters attempted to march toward the US Consulate. According to local authorities, the ensuing clashes and gunfire resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals. Protesters chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, leading to a heavy deployment of security forces. Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.

Iran Declares 40-Day Mourning Period

The Iranian government has officially declared 40 days of national mourning following the loss of its Supreme Leader. President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the airstrikes as a 'heinous crime' and vowed that the act wouldn't go unanswered. Reports from Tehran describe a city in deep mourning, with citizens dressed in black taking to the streets to express their grief. National flags have been lowered to half-mast across the country, and all official celebrations have been suspended indefinitely.

Details of the Strike and Regional Impact

The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred during a series of coordinated airstrikes targeting strategic locations in Tehran and surrounding areas, while these strikes, attributed to a joint operation by US and Israeli forces, have sent shockwaves through the Middle East. Diplomatic sources suggest that this development could drastically alter the security landscape of the region. Pakistan and other neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, with heightened security measures implemented along border regions.

The Government and the people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei.

Pakistan also expresses concern over violation of the norms of…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 1, 2026