Islamabad — The Iranian Embassy hosted a solemn ceremony titled “The Martyr of the Islamic Ummah” where Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam paid tribute to those killed in conflicts involving Israel and the United States and called for continued solidarity across the Muslim world. He said recent events exposed intelligence failures and questioned claims of military impregnability, noting difficulties in locating hostages in Gaza and ongoing negotiations over their release.
The ambassador honoured a range of figures from across the region, praising their sacrifices in defence of Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese who faced what he described as expansionist ambitions. Figures mentioned at the event included Qasem Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Mohammad Bagheri, Hossein Salami, Gholam Ali Rashid, Amir Ali Hajizadeh and others, along with leaders from Iraq, Gaza and Lebanon who have been central to regional resistance efforts.
Dr Moghaddam described the martyrs as being sustained by divine providence and not merely fallen soldiers. He reflected on personal encounters with some of the leaders, describing them as committed figures who rose to prominence through their dedication and intelligence. He also praised Iran’s pre-revolutionary leaders for their longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, even while imprisoned.
The ambassador used the occasion to underscore that Iran would not yield to what he termed conspiracies against the Muslim ummah. He thanked Pakistan—its people, government, parliament and political parties—for standing with Palestinians and emphasised the importance of strong Iran Pakistan ties in confronting regional challenges and resisting destabilising forces.
Former federal minister and PTI parliamentary leader Ali Mohammad Khan, along with MNA Noreen Ibrahim and a wide range of religious scholars, intellectuals and journalists, attended and voiced support for unity on the Palestine issue. Speakers stressed that Pakistani society remains united in backing Gaza and in sustaining diplomatic and popular solidarity with Iran.
Religious figures at the gathering highlighted the broader symbolism of these deaths as resistance to foreign intervention. Mufti Gulzar Naeemi said Qasem Soleimani’s sacrifice transcended national lines and reflected a wider commitment to the Muslim community. The envoy reiterated Iran’s vow to stand against oppression and affirmed that Iran Pakistan ties would continue to be an anchor in regional cooperation and solidarity.
