Grief, not violence

2026-03-02 - 20:24

THE martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a brutal attack orchestrated by the US and Israel has shaken not only Iran but the entire Muslim world. The news of his assassination has sent waves of grief throughout Pakistan, with thousands took to the streets on Sunday to express their anger and sorrow. Our leadership, too, has openly condemned the act and expressed deep condolences for the loss of the prominent figure who had a lasting impact on regional geopolitics. It is only natural that the Pakistani public, which shares strong historical, religious and cultural ties with Iran, should mourn the loss of Ayatollah Khamenei. Protests were held in different cities including Karachi, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. However, while these protests reflect the sorrow and anger felt by many, it is crucial to remind ourselves that resorting to violence is neither in our interest nor in the interest of the cause. The current security environment in Pakistan is fraught with uncertainty as the country is already dealing with the ongoing threat of terrorism and the clashes between our defence forces and the Afghan Taliban. This volatile security situation requires great patience and maturity from the public. No one can justify the brutal killing of a prominent leader like Khamenei and the actions of the US and Israel in this regard must be condemned in the strongest terms. But it is equally important to understand that violence and chaos will only serve to diminish the gravity of the situation and harm innocent lives. While we stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, we must also keep in mind that violence and destruction will only lead to more suffering for our people. The protests that took place in Karachi and Islamabad not only resulted in clashes but also claimed the lives of people. Such outcomes must be avoided at all costs. It is crucial to emphasize that providing protection to the diplomatic community within Pakistan is our responsibility. In these challenging times, the Pakistani nation must rise above its emotions, channeling its grief into peaceful actions. Only then can we ensure that the memory of those we mourn today is honoured in a way that strengthens our society rather than tearing it apart.