ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the role of Iran’s Supreme Leader. He also expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Ali Khamenei.
In a letter to Mojtaba Khamenei, the prime minister extended his warm congratulations on taking up Iran’s top leadership position.
He also conveyed deep sorrow on behalf of the people of Pakistan over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others. He said the news caused great sadness among Pakistanis.
Shehbaz Sharif said he believes Iran will continue its path toward peace, stability and prosperity under Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan stands firmly with the leadership and people of Iran during this difficult period.
The prime minister said Pakistan and Iran share strong historical, cultural and religious ties. He added that these bonds form a solid base for close bilateral relations.
Shehbaz Sharif also repeated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with Iran in the future.
He ended his message by praying for Mojtaba Khamenei’s health and success, and for the peace and prosperity of the Iranian people.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. The decision came from the Assembly of Experts.
Iranian media reported that the clerical body selected the 56-year-old cleric more than a week after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in an air strike.
Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari Alekasir, a member of the council, said the assembly followed Khamenei’s guidance while choosing the new leader. According to him, Iran’s top leader should be someone “hated by the enemy.”
He also noted that the United States had already mentioned Mojtaba Khamenei’s name.
Earlier, former US president Donald Trump called Mojtaba Khamenei an “unacceptable” choice.
Over the years, Mojtaba Khamenei gained influence during his father’s rule. He built strong links with Iran’s security establishment, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Analysts say his connections with the IRGC strengthened his influence within Iran’s political and security system.
Kasra Aarabi of United Against Nuclear Iran said Mojtaba Khamenei has strong support within the Revolutionary Guard.
The Supreme Leader holds the highest authority in Iran. The position controls key state matters, including foreign policy and the country’s nuclear programme.
Western countries want to stop Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful and civilian use.
Mojtaba Khamenei may face domestic challenges. Some Iranians have previously staged mass protests demanding greater freedoms.
He was born in 1969 in the city of Mashhad. During his youth, his father helped lead opposition against the Shah of Iran.
Mojtaba later served in the Iran–Iraq War.
He studied religious teachings in the seminaries of Qom, the main centre of Shi’ite scholarship in Iran. He currently holds the clerical rank of Hojjatoleslam.
Despite his influence, Mojtaba Khamenei has never held an official government position. He rarely speaks in public but often appears at pro-government gatherings.
In 2019, the United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on him. The department said he worked in an official capacity for the supreme leader despite holding no formal government post.
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