Foreign Office Awaits Confirmation of Victims’ Nationality
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said the nationality of four people found dead in Italy has not yet been confirmed. The statement came after reports claimed that the victims were Pakistani farm workers.
According to the Foreign Office, the deceased individuals were being reported as Pakistanis, but their exact nationality was still under verification. Officials said Italian police were investigating the case and forensic work was also underway.
The Foreign Office added that Pakistan’s embassy in Italy was closely following the matter. The embassy is also in contact with local authorities to receive further updates.
The case has drawn serious attention after Italian media reported that four farm workers were found dead inside a burnt-out minivan in southern Italy.
Burnt Vehicle Found in Calabria Farming Area
Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported that the vehicle was found at a petrol station near Amendolara, a village in the Calabria region. The area is known for farming activity and migrant labour.
According to the report, CCTV footage from the petrol station showed two people blocking the van’s doors from outside. The suspects were then seen throwing liquid into the vehicle.
The footage reportedly showed flames breaking out shortly after. The two people then fled the scene.
Firefighters later arrived and extinguished the fire. They found four bodies inside the minivan.
Local police chief Antonio Borelli was quoted by the Italian newspaper as saying that the case was clearly murder. He said investigators were still working to establish the full details.
Two Pakistani Nationals Reportedly Arrested
Italian media also reported that police had arrested two Pakistani nationals in connection with the killings. However, Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the identities or nationality of the deceased.
The incident has also raised concern over migrant tensions in the area. According to the Italian report, there have been 14 recent arson cases involving cars and minivans carrying Pakistanis.
The report linked the tensions to disputes among migrants over farm work, residency documents and accommodation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are expected to rely on forensic evidence, CCTV footage and witness statements to determine the motive behind the killings.
The Foreign Office said it would continue monitoring the case through Pakistan’s embassy in Italy.
