Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a Pakistani delegation will attend the funeral of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a joint United States‑Israel strike on February 28. Iran has scheduled a six‑day funeral procession, with the main ceremony set to begin on July 4.

Accounts differ on the number of foreign dignitaries expected at the funeral. One report states that Russia, China and India have confirmed sending senior officials and that Iran claims dignitaries from about 100 countries, including the presidents of Tajikistan and Georgia, will attend (Times of Israel). Another source says the procession will see foreign dignitaries from around 30 countries (Hindustan Times).

According to Dawn, the Pakistani delegation includes National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The Hindu reported that Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, June 18. Hindustan Times noted that India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Governor of Bihar Syed Ata Hasnain and Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita will travel to Iran.