PM Shehbaz voices concern at violation of international law after Iranian supreme leader’s assassination

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed concern over the violation of international norms and the targeting of heads of state/government following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a post on X, the premier said, “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.”

He further said, “Pakistan also expresses concern over the violation of the norms of international law. It is an age-old convention that the heads of state/government should not be targeted.”

The premier prayed for the Iranian supreme leader and for strength for the people of the country to bear “this irreparable loss”.

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of the Iranian supreme leader and other members of Iran’s senior leadership, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

“The president said that Pakistan stands with the Iranian nation in this moment of grief and shares in their loss. He observed that the passing of a leader of such stature, along with other senior figures, would be deeply felt across the Muslim world,” the statement said.

He also offered prayers for the deceased and the people of Iran.

PM Shehbaz speaks to Jordan, Bahrain kings

Separately, PM Shehbaz spoke to Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein to discuss the “evolving regional situation”, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The two leaders exchanged views on the serious regional developments following the recent escalation from the Israeli attack on Iran, which was followed by attacks on Jordan and other regional countries,” the statement said.

“The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the situation and emphasised the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue to preserve regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

It added that the premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the kingdom as well as other brotherly countries in the region during this “challenging time”.

“He also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to support all efforts aimed at restoring calm and promoting stability. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on regional developments,” the statement said.

The premier also posted about it on X, saying, “We emphasised the urgent need for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation to preserve peace and stability.”

He also spoke to Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to discuss the “ongoing crisis” in the Middle East and Iran’s attacks on several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, after US-Israeli attacks.

According to the PMO, the premier said that such unprovoked acts of aggression only escalated the situation and threatened the peace and stability of the entire region.

“He assured the leadership of Bahrain that Pakistan stood firmly with Bahrain and other brotherly Gulf countries and underscored the need for maximum restraint in this difficult time,” the statement said.

PM Shehbaz also emphasised the need to “preserve the primacy of international law and reiterated that Pakistan would always remain committed to supporting peace efforts and urge all parties to engage in diplomacy and seek a negotiated solution to the crisis”.

In a post on X about his conversation with Bahrain’s king, PM Shehbaz said, “While praying for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters in Bahrain, I emphasised restraint, respect for international law, and the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.”