Tehran’s decision to invite PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti conveys a subtle message

The article analyses the significance of Iran inviting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti to attend the final rites of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It argues that, given the high sensitivity around symbolism in Kashmir’s politics, Iran’s choice to pick Mufti rather than other prominent Kashmir figures indicates an endorsement of her political outlook.

Mufti’s participation makes her the first Sunni leader from Kashmir to attend such a high-profile event, potentially increasing her political stature. The article also notes that members of Kashmir's 'first political family'—the Abdullahs—were not invited, despite previous visits to the Iranian embassy.