TEHRAN - Pakistan has formally expressed its confidence in Iran's comprehensive investigation capabilities following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their accompanying delegation.

During a weekly press briefing at Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra underscored Islamabad's belief in Tehran's proficiency in conducting a thorough probe into the incident. 

Zahra highlighted the recent visit of Pakistan's Prime Minister to Tehran, where he extended his condolences over the loss of Iran's president and his associates.

In a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, lauded Islamabad for its heartfelt condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. 

Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the potential for a new peak in relations under Pakistan's new government and referenced President Raisi's recent visit to Pakistan as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation.  

"Relations with Pakistan are very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we view this country in a completely brotherly manner. However, the relations between the two countries have had ups and downs in recent years, and we believe that under the new government of Pakistan, there is the possibility of a renewed peak in these relations,” the Leader stated.
 
Following the tragic death of the Iranian president and Foreign Minister, Pakistani Ambassador to Tehran, in an interview with the Tehran Times, stated that as a gesture of solidarity with the Iranian nation, the “Pakistani flag will be flown at half-mast.”

“I am deeply saddened by the martyrdom of Honourable President Raisi, the Foreign Minister, and their entourage. Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian was an exemplary human being. I was profoundly impressed by his grace, humility, thoughtfulness, and foresightedness,” Muhammad Mudassir Tipu said following the tragic loss of Iranian president and Foreign Minister.

When asked about his experience working with the Iranian Foreign Minister, the Pakistani ambassador remarked, “Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian was extremely kind to me. I believe he was one of the most significant statesmen in the world. He had deep insight into geopolitical issues, strategic clarity, and pursued Iran’s interests with remarkable dedication.”

In conclusion, Zahra expressed Islamabad's readiness to collaborate with Tehran in the investigation of the helicopter crash, should Iran request assistance. She emphasized that Pakistan stands prepared to support Iran in any capacity required to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic incident.

According to the initial report from the Armed Forces regarding the tragic incident, certain aspects require additional time for a conclusive determination, while other findings can be stated with certainty:

The helicopter maintained its planned route and did not deviate from the designated flight path.

Approximately one and a half minutes before the crash, the pilot of the helicopter carrying the president and foreign minister communicated with the other two helicopters in the flight group.

No bullet marks or similar damage were observed on the remaining components of the crashed helicopter.

The helicopter caught fire upon impact with the ground.

Due to the area's complexity, fog, and low temperatures, the reconnaissance operation extended into the night and continued until Monday morning. At 5 a.m., with the assistance of Iranian drones, the precise location of the crash was identified, and ground reconnaissance forces were deployed to the site.

No suspicious communications were noted between the watchtower and the flight crew.