PESHAWAR: A delegation of Awami National Party on Friday visited the Iranian Consulate here and condoled the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other government officials in a helicopter crash.

The delegation was headed by ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter president Mian Iftikhar Hussain

They met Deputy Counsel General Hossein Maliki and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, according to a statement issued here.

Delegation included party’s provincial senior vice-president Syed Aqil Shah, general secretary Hussain Shah Khan Yousafzai, provincial vice-president Shahi Khan Sherani and spokesman Arslan Khan Nazim.

On this occasion, Iftikhar Hussain said the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other government officials was a great tragedy. “The services of martyred Iranian president to the people of Iran are not hidden from anyone. He had extended unequivocal support to the Muslims of Palestine, which is commendable. Their martyrdom is a painful tragedy not only for Iran but for the entire humanity,” Mr Hussain said.

Mr Hussain further said the late Iranian president wanted to have cordial, strong and peaceful relations with the neighbouring countries, and his recent visit to Pakistan was proof of the strength of the country’s ties with neighbouring countries.

Hossein Maliki thanked the ANP delegation and said they valued the struggle of the party for the establishment of peace in the region.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2024