Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Iran and Turkiye from July 3 to July 5.

According to FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, the premier will first travel to Iran, where he is scheduled to attend the funeral of the late Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

The visit will include a high-level Pakistani delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, and senior officials.

During the Iran leg of the trip, the prime minister will convey condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan and reaffirm solidarity with the Iranian leadership during what Islamabad describes as a period of deep grief.After completing engagements in Iran, PM Shehbaz will travel to Istanbul on the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In Turkiye, both leaders are expected to hold wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, with a special focus on enhancing trade, investment, energy cooperation, IT, and privatisation opportunities, including the development of special economic zones.The FO further stated that the leadership talks will also address regional peace and security concerns.

The prime minister is also expected to address a business conference aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s investment potential and attracting Turkish investors and business leaders.

Additionally, the briefing highlighted Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement in the ongoing US-Iran tensions, including its facilitative role alongside Qatar in supporting negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The visit is being described as part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with friendly nations while contributing to regional stability.