Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US–Israel airstrikes but faced criticism online for not explicitly naming the United States in his statement.

Sharif’s Condolence Message

Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to Iran following reports of the death of Ali Khamenei.

In his statement, Sharif:

Expressed solidarity with the people of Iran.
Raised concerns over the “violation of norms of international law.”
Stated that targeting Heads of State/Government goes against established conventions.

However, he did not directly name the United States or Israel in his remarks.

Social Media Backlash

Sharif’s omission triggered criticism from some social media users, who questioned:

Why he did not directly mention former US President Donald Trump.
The consistency of his foreign policy stance given Pakistan’s ties with Washington.
His recent praise of Trump as a “man of peace.”

Several users referenced Sharif’s earlier diplomatic engagement in Washington, DC.

Context: Recent US Visit

Earlier this month, Sharif reportedly attended an event associated with Trump in the US capital, where he praised Trump’s leadership and efforts toward global peace.

Trump, in turn, had complimented Sharif and Pakistan’s army leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Diplomatic Balancing Act

The episode highlights:

Pakistan’s delicate diplomatic position between Iran and the United States.
The challenge of issuing strong statements without jeopardizing strategic partnerships.
The growing scrutiny of political messaging in the age of social media.

Key Entities

Shehbaz Sharif – Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Ali Khamenei – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Donald Trump – 45th President of the United States
United States – Federal constitutional republic in North America
Israel – Sovereign nation-state in West Asia

Final Verdict

Shehbaz Sharif’s condolence message reflects a cautious diplomatic tone amid a volatile geopolitical crisis. While intended to express solidarity and uphold international law, the absence of explicit references to the United States has sparked domestic and online criticism, underscoring the complexities of Pakistan’s foreign policy balancing act.