Killing of 8 Pakistanis
The Pakistani Foreign Office has confirmed its ongoing communication with Iranian authorities following the tragic killings of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province. Iranian officials have already initiated an investigation into the incident, with Pakistani officials waiting for verified information before making a formal statement.
The Iranian Embassy in Pakistan expressed deep condolences over the deaths of the Pakistani citizens, with a spokesperson confirming that the victims were killed in a remote area of the province.
The embassy further reassured that an immediate investigation was underway, with Iranian police actively pursuing the terrorists responsible for the attack. Authorities promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and face the fullest extent of the law.
The Pakistani Foreign Office has voiced its profound concern regarding the killings, highlighting that both the embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Zahedan are working closely with Iranian authorities to gather more details about the incident.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated, “We are aware of this unfortunate incident and are in close contact with the Iranian authorities. Once verified information is available, we will provide a formal response.”
Iranian authorities have launched an official probe into the killings, with the investigation ongoing. The Foreign Office spokesperson also confirmed that efforts were being made to ensure the safe return of the victims’ bodies to Pakistan once legal procedures in Iran have been completed.
Diplomatic sources revealed that the Pakistani government is closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with Iran to ensure justice. The Pakistani Embassy in Tehran is leading the efforts in collaboration with Iranian officials. “Our priority is to support the families of the victims and ensure that their loved ones’ remains are returned home as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killings and expressed deep sorrow for the tragic loss. In a statement issued shortly after the news, the Prime Minister extended his condolences to the victims’ families and condemned the act as a severe attack on innocent lives.
He called on the Iranian government to act swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and to provide clarity on the reasons behind the attack, emphasizing transparency in such matters.
Prime Minister Sharif further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in touch with the victims’ families and take all necessary steps to facilitate the return of the bodies. He also prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and strength for their grieving families.
Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, also condemned the killings, offering his heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families. Minister Naqvi reassured the public that the government would continue to work with Iranian authorities to ensure justice for the victims.
The victims, all hailing from Punjab, were working as car mechanics in the Mehrestan area of Sistan and Baluchistan when they were killed. This region, situated in southeastern Iran, has been the site of ongoing insurgent activity and cross-border militancy, particularly from separatist and terrorist groups.
The killings have heightened concerns about the increasing instability in the area, which is also a source of tension between Iran and Pakistan.
This tragic incident follows a similar attack on January 27, 2025, in which nine Pakistani nationals were killed in a terrorist attack in the border city of Saravan.
The Sistan and Baluchistan province has long been a hotspot for militancy, with various militant groups, including separatist factions, targeting both Pakistani and Iranian nationals. The ongoing instability in the region continues to challenge cross-border relations and security cooperation between the two countries.
The families of the victims are anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones’ remains, as Iranian authorities work to complete the legal procedures necessary for repatriation.
