Islamabad – Mujahid scholar, servant of Imam Reza (he has peace in him), and devoted servant of Islamic Umma – Ayatollah Seiye cried out Ebrahim Raisi.
His death is not only a profound tragedy for the Iranian state, but also an immeasurable irreparable loss for the broader Islamic world.
Even after a year, the pain of his passing remains fresh. The son of the Islamic Revolution, Raisi supported the dignity of Muslim Ummah, defended his life to defending the oppressed, supporting the Palestinian cause, and standing on the weak and vulnerable. His sudden death left a deep sense of sadness among freedom seekers, anti-imperialists and sincere people all over the world.
I missed hope for the people of Pakistanis
A month before his tragic death, Ayatollah Raisi created what would be his final and most historic visit to Pakistan. The visit was unique and memorable in many ways. During his stay, Raisi expressed his sincere desire to speak directly to the Pakistani public. Both he and the people were eager to anticipate, but tragically it didn’t happen.
On May 19, 2024, Ayatollah Raisi lost his life in a helicopter crash, and Pakistanis are grieving, looking forward to hearing from him. The visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in Iran-Pakistan relations, with high-level debate on bilateral cooperation, Iran-Pakistan gas pipelines and development in West Asia.
His meetings with Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif, laid the foundation for strengthening bilateral relations.
Ayatollah Raisi’s martialism has sparked an pouring of sadness and sympathy throughout Pakistan, widely reflected in social media platforms that recall the heartfelt connections with the people of Pakistanis and the lasting impression of his visit.
The trip lasted only two days, but it was very productive. His meetings with Pakistan’s political and military leadership and visits to various institutions had a profoundly positive impact on bilateral relations.
After a historic retaliatory strike against Iran’s Zionist regime, I wanted to meet many Pakistani youths, elders and even children, hear him and express their admiration. It has long been customary for foreign leaders visiting Pakistan to give at least one public speech. Often in Lahore.
When the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei visited Pakistan as president of Iran, during General Zia ul Hakh’s rule, a historic and large gathering welcomed him. Then President Mohammad Katami continued a tradition of public engagement despite some tensions and signs of American cooperation during General Musharraf’s tenure and during President Hassan Luhani’s visit under General Raheel Sharif’s military leader.
During Raisi’s final visit, the Pakistani government faced both obvious and behind the scenes pressures from the US and western powers. However, the trip was made with dignity and success, marking a milestone in the history of bilateral relations.
Continuing his legacy through action
If the agreements signed during this visit were implemented with a true political will, they not only serve as a proper tribute to the late president, but also represent the continuation of his mission to deepen unity across the Islamic world.
The visit elicited acute responses from the US government and its regional allies. The presence of Raisi in Pakistan shows the promotion of regional independence and resistance to foreign control.
Blooming relationship between Iran and Pakistan: a glimpse ahead
Raisi’s three-day trip to Pakistan was his first foreign visit in the new Iranian calendar year, the first since Pakistan’s new government took office. The visit highlighted the value Iran places on its “neighborhood acquisition” policy and opened up new prospects for Iran-Pakistan’s cooperation.
By sharing cultural, historical and geographic ties, Iran and Pakistan have great potential for cooperation in areas such as energy, border trade, communication, and security.
In the energy sector, cooperation on resource transfer and infrastructure development could significantly increase energy security in both countries. The security domain will strengthen coordination to combat terrorism and address cross-border threats, and will become an urgent need for both Tehran and Islamabad, particularly given the instability of Afghanistan.
On a broader level, unity between Iran and Pakistan on major Islamic issues, particularly the defense against Palestinian Zionist atrocities, can create a strong front against global rog arrogism.
Foreign efforts to sow division and destabilize the region have only increased the need for Tehran and Islamabad to maintain strong solidarity. Important priorities remain regarding intelligence sharing, border coordination, and humanitarian and security cooperation, particularly Afghanistan.
In short, strengthening Iran-Pakistan’s cooperation not only serves the interests of both countries, but also contributes to the wider stability and development of the region.
During this historic visit, eight important understandings have been signed between Iran and Pakistan. One of the groundbreaking achievements was the agreement to increase the \deperational trade to $10 billion, an innovative step towards a deeper economic partnership.
This trip was not only a diplomatic success, but also played an important role in strengthening the emotional and spiritual ties between Iran and Pakistan’s brothers, Muslim countries.
May his soul rest in peace. May his memory be respected.