Iranian forces in Mashkel fired shots, resulting in the death of three Pakistanis and injuring four others.
They abducted two Pakistani nationals from Balochistan, taking them across the border into Iran.
In a startling disclosure, the Mashkel Additional Deputy Commissioner revealed that Iranian forces had seized two Pakistanis.
“The Iranian forces opened fire in the Pak-Iran border area of Kala Grandi, leading to the loss of three Pakistani citizens’ lives, with four others sustaining injuries and two being abducted,” stated the official.
This incident echoes a similar tragic event in October 2014 when Iranian forces killed five Pakistani citizens in the same region of Mashkel. It’s worth noting that this unfortunate occurrence follows a military standoff in January, where Pakistan retaliated against Iran for violating its airspace by striking Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targets inside Iran, prompted by Iranian missiles hitting a target in Tubat.
Mashkel, situated in the Washuk District of Balochistan, Pakistan, is the largest tehsil in the district and shares a border with Iran.
According to the Pakistani census, Mashkel has a population of approximately 70,000. The town is renowned for its date trees and desert landscapes.
In January 2024, Pakistan strongly condemned Iran’s unprovoked violation of its airspace and the subsequent strike on Pakistani territory, which tragically resulted in the death of two innocent children and the injury of three girls.
“This violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty is entirely unacceptable and could lead to grave consequences,” stated Pakistani officials.
“Of particular concern is the fact that this illegal act occurred despite the existence of numerous communication channels between Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistan has already lodged a strong protest with the relevant authorities in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.
Furthermore, the Iranian Charge d’affaires has been summoned to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey our firm condemnation of this blatant infringement of Pakistan’s sovereignty, emphasizing that Iran bears full responsibility for any consequences.
“Pakistan has consistently emphasized that terrorism is a mutual threat to all countries in the region and requires coordinated action. Such unilateral actions are contrary to the principles of good neighborly relations and have the potential to seriously undermine bilateral trust and confidence,” concluded the statement.
