TEHRAN: Prominent Pakistani political, religious, social and media personalities have arrived in Tehran to attend the funeral prayers of former Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The delegation includes Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan chief Allama Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi.
Also attending are Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Chief Liaqat Baloch, Shia Ulema Council Secretary General Allama Shabbir Maisami and Allama Iftikhar Naqvi.
Asif Luqman Qazi and Tehreek-e-Bedari-e-Ummat chief Allama Jawad Naqvi are also expected to participate in the funeral prayers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to travel to Tehran later, leading a high-level Pakistani government delegation to attend the funeral ceremonies.
Earlier, Iranian authorities have implemented extraordinary security measures across the country ahead of the funeral prayers and burial of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, placing the armed forces, air defense units and border security forces on high alert.
According to Iran's state news agency, military officials said a comprehensive security plan has been activated to maintain law and order during the funeral ceremonies.
Additional security personnel have been deployed to sensitive locations, key government installations and international border crossings to respond swiftly to any potential security threats.
Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia said Iran's ground, naval and air forces have been placed on emergency readiness, while air defense units are maintaining continuous surveillance of the country's airspace to detect and counter any unusual activity.
Officials said the heightened security arrangements reflect the expected arrival of a large number of foreign government officials, religious leaders and political figures attending the funeral, prompting authorities to issue special directives to all relevant agencies.
Defense analysts said the enhanced security measures come amid ongoing regional tensions, with Iran seeking to prevent any disruption during the high-profile state ceremonies.
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The Iranian government has urged the public to cooperate with security personnel, follow official guidelines and immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
