A condolence reference in connection with the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was held at University of the Punjab (PU), drawing participation from religious scholars, academics, political leaders and members of civil society.
The event, organized by the Academic Staff Association of the university, was presided over by the Iranian Consul General in Lahore, Mehran Movahedfar. Prominent participants included Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology Allama Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Naib Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Liaqat Baloch, Allama Dr Muhammad Hussain Akbar of Idara Minhaj-ul-Hussain Lahore, Director General of the Iranian Culture Center Lahore Dr Asghar Masoudi, President Academic Staff Association Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi and Secretary Prof Dr Kamran Abid. A large number of teachers, students, media representatives and members of civil society also attended the gathering.
Addressing the ceremony, Consul General Mehran Movahedfar termed the attempt to assassinate the Iranian Supreme Leader a grave crime and a blatant violation of legal, moral and human principles. He said Iran is repeatedly drawn into negotiations while at the same time facing threats of war. According to him, Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, but the country’s nuclear program is being used as a pretext to create an atmosphere of confrontation.
Movahedfar alleged that the United States is attempting to replicate in Iran the same strategy it applied in Iraq, Libya and Syria. Referring to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the 2011 intervention in Libya, he said those actions led to prolonged instability in the region, adding that it would be a serious miscalculation to believe a similar approach could succeed in Iran.
He further criticized what he described as global silence over the deaths of women and schoolgirls during recent attacks allegedly carried out by Zionist and American forces in Iran. He accused Israel of pursuing aggressive policies in the region and alleged that the state seeks control over energy resources to advance the concept of a “Greater Israel.” Referring to Israeli leadership, he said that threats issued by Benjamin Netanyahu against Pakistan should not be taken lightly, emphasizing that Pakistan is a resilient nation capable of defending itself.
The Iranian diplomat also stressed that Iran maintains brotherly relations with the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and that its actions are aimed at hostile military installations. He said Iran’s primary targets would be U.S. military bases allegedly used to launch attacks or provide operational support against Iran. Movahedfar also claimed that Israel attempted to widen the conflict through alleged false flag operations targeting embassies in Cyprus, Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, accusations that he said Iran strongly condemns. He appreciated Saudi Arabia’s assurance that its territory and airspace would not be used for attacks against Iran.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said the Muslim Ummah must set aside internal divisions and work toward unity, stressing that solidarity among Muslim nations is essential for their strength and survival.
Allama Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi said Iran’s resilience in the face of prolonged sanctions and war pressures serves as an example for the Muslim world, noting that the country has continued to move forward despite decades of external challenges.
Liaqat Baloch said the organization of the program by the Academic Staff Association reflects the intellectual awareness of the academic community. He remarked that attempts to target national leadership during wartime hysteria are rare and troubling, adding that Iran is being penalized for its support of the Palestinian cause while its people remain firmly aligned with their government.
Allama Dr Muhammad Hussain Akbar said history shows that oppression ultimately fails and that no power remains dominant forever. Dr Asghar Masoudi stated that the martyrdom of a great leader strengthens a nation’s determination and keeps alive the spirit of resistance against injustice.
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At the conclusion of the ceremony, Academic Staff Association Secretary Prof Dr Kamran Abid said the people of Pakistan, including teachers and students of the University of the Punjab, stand in solidarity with the people of Iran. He conveyed condolences through the Iranian Consul General to Iran’s leadership and the family members of the late Supreme Commander Ayatollah Khamenei.
