Islamabad, Pakistan – On Sunday, Pakistan’s leadership and citizens united in prayer for the safety of Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian following a helicopter incident.
The news of the mishap, which occurred while the Iranian leaders were traveling, prompted immediate expressions of concern and support from Pakistan.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were among the first to publicly express their worries and extend their prayers. President Zardari took to his official X (formerly Twitter) timeline, stating, “Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian & others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments in his own X post, saying, “Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon. President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation.”
Local Iranian media reported that the helicopter, carrying President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, crashed while navigating mountain terrain in heavy fog. The incident occurred as the helicopter was attempting to land in the Varzaqan region. President Raisi was returning from a ceremony marking the opening of a new dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan.
Despite the severity of the situation, initial reports suggest that both President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian survived the crash. Details about their conditions and the extent of any injuries remain sparse, but the Iranian government is expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The helicopter incident has stirred significant concern in Pakistan, a country that maintains close diplomatic and cultural ties with Iran. Pakistani citizens have joined their leaders in praying for the safety and swift recovery of the Iranian officials. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of solidarity and concern, reflecting the deep bond between the two neighboring nations.
This incident comes at a time when both countries are engaged in various cooperative projects and diplomatic initiatives. The safety of President Raisi is particularly crucial as he plays a central role in Iran’s political landscape and its relations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
As the situation develops, Pakistan remains hopeful for positive news and stands ready to offer any necessary assistance to its Iranian counterparts. The thoughts and prayers of the Pakistani people are firmly with President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian, and the Iranian nation during this challenging time.
