ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep concern and extended heartfelt prayers for the well-being and safety of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, following reports of a helicopter incident involving Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdullahian, and other officials.
In a tweet, President Zardari stated, “Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian and others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation.”
Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian & others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 19, 2024
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended prayers and best wishes for President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation.
PM Shehbaz tweeted, “Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding honorable President Syed Ibrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with honourable President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation.”
Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyyed 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.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 19, 2024
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Abdullahian and other officials, suffered a crash landing on Sunday, according to state-run media reports. The incident occurred as the helicopter was flying over Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, following Raisi’s visit to Azerbaijan, where he inaugurated a dam on the Aras River with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev.
At least 40 rescue teams have been deployed to the mountainous area where heavy fog has complicated rescue efforts. Iranian Minister of Health Bahram Eynollahi confirmed that emergency treatment facilities have been set up in the vicinity of the crash site.
Among those on board were Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malik Rahmati, and President Raisi’s security officials.
