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March 13, 2026
Shehbaz Congratulates Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Pledges Closer Cooperation
By Kamran Yousaf
Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a move aimed at maintaining a delicate balance at a time when raging conflict between Tehran and the US-Israel alliance continues to reshape the regional security landscape.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote to Mojtaba Khamenei following his assumption of the position of supreme leader after the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei.
The message conveyed condolences as well as congratulations, a carefully calibrated move at a time when Islamabad was attempting to maintain neutrality in a rapidly escalating regional war.
The letter, released by the Prime Minister’s Office, expressed Pakistan’s “deepest condolences and prayers” over Ali's death while extending best wishes to Mojtaba as he assumed the leadership of the Islamic republic.
“The martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has deeply saddened the people of Pakistan, who stand in solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran during this difficult time,” the prime minister said.
At the same time, PM Shehbaz expressed hope that the new Iranian leader would guide the country “towards peace, stability, dignity and prosperity in the years ahead".
In a separate post on X, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s condolences and congratulated Mojtaba on assuming what he described as an “onerous responsibility”.
Without naming the US, the carefully worded message reflected Pakistan’s attempt to maintain diplomatic balance as tensions in the Middle East intensify amid the ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
Islamabad has so far avoided taking sides publicly in the conflict, urging restraint and calling for dialogue while closely monitoring developments that could have major implications for regional stability and Pakistan’s own economic security.
However, while Islamabad condemned the attack on Iran, at the same time it denounced Tehran for sending drones and missiles to Gulf countries.
Pakistan also reminded Iran about its mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia. Behind the scenes, Islamabad, has been working to seek de-escalation between Iran and Gulf countries.
Analysts say the prime minister’s message was significant because it reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Iran without signaling alignment with Tehran in the current conflict.
“The message of condolence and congratulations was necessary from a diplomatic standpoint,” a senior Pakistani official familiar with the matter said. “Iran is a neighbor and an important regional country. But at the same time Pakistan has to maintain a balanced posture in the ongoing conflict.”
The letter also emphasized that relations between Pakistan and Iran were rooted in shared faith, culture, language and history, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. – The Express Tribune
Courtesy The Express Tribune
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