Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani departed for Iran on Thursday to attend the official funeral ceremony of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, scheduled to be held in Tehran today. The visit, made at the invitation of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, was confirmed in a statement from the Senate Secretariat.
Delegation and Condolences
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is also part of the delegation. In a statement, Senator Gilani extended heartfelt condolences to the Parliament, Government, and people of Iran, saying, “On behalf of the Senate of Pakistan and in my personal capacity, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Parliament, Government, and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the demise of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”
Tribute to a Visionary Leader
Gilani described the late leader as a figure of exceptional vision, wisdom, and statesmanship who guided Iran with dignity and honor. He noted that Iran had lost a great leader, Pakistan a sincere friend, and the Muslim Ummah a farsighted and influential statesman. Gilani added that Khamenei's contributions to the Muslim world would be remembered for generations, and prayed for the departed soul to be granted the highest ranks in Jannah, while urging strength for the Iranian people.
Separate News: Darfur Displacement
In a separate development, the UN agency reported that more than 6,000 people fled Sudan’s West Darfur region following threats from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The exodus underscores the ongoing instability in the region.
