PM cancels Iran’s visit on health concerns, DPM to attend president-elect’s oath-taking

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cancelled his visit to Iran and all political activities on Monday after his doctor ordered him to rest completely due to health difficulties.

PM Shehbaz was supposed to travel Tehran today (Tuesday) to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s president-elect, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz’s engagements for Tuesday have been cancelled.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will now lead Pakistan’s mission to Iran.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the visit demonstrates the two countries’ commitment to strengthening leadership engagement and bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, reported that the ceremony will be attended by over 2,500 guests, including national and military officials, heads and professors from religious and academic institutions, representatives from various sectors, martyr families, and foreign ambassadors stationed in Tehran.

The state media also reported that 70 foreign representatives from various countries and international organisations would attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Following quick elections, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, officially endorsed Pezeshkian as the ninth Iranian president.

Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart specialist, was chosen president on July 6. The election was ordered after President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May.