PM Shehbaz demands swift action by Iran against killing of eight Pakistanis

• Terrorism remains a grave threat to the entire region: PM Shehbaz.
• Urges the regional countries to devise a strategy against terrorism.
• Orders MoFA to contact the grieving families and extend support.
  

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Iranian government to swiftly apprehend those responsible for the brutal killing of eight Pakistanis near the Pak-Iran border in Sistan, and to ensure they are given exemplary punishment.

At least eight Pakistani nationals, who worked as car mechanics in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, were shot dead by gunmen, Geo News reported on Saturday night. The firing incident took place at a workshop situated in Mehrestan district near the Afghanistan border, according to Iranian media.

Six of the slain men belonged to Bahawalpur's rural area, Khanqa Sharif, while the remaining two were from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia.

Expressing deep concern over the incident, PM Shehbaz called it a heinous act of terrorism and demanded that Iranian authorities disclose the motives behind the attack to the public. 

"Terrorism remains a grave threat to the entire region," the premier said, while underscoring the need for a coordinated strategy among neighbouring countries to eliminate this menace.

He also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to immediately contact the victims’ families and extend all possible support. He also instructed the Pakistani embassy in Iran to take urgent steps to ensure the safe repatriation of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the families mourning the loss have appealed to the government to assist in the immediate repatriation of the bodies of the deceased. 

One of the victims, Aamir, had been working in Iran for a year. His father shared that Aamir had planned to return home for Eid ul Fitr but was unable to due to border closures.

“We were told that there was a terrorist attack at the garage where he worked,” Aamir’s father said. “We appeal to the government to help us bring our loved ones' bodies home.”

Naeem, a cousin of one of the victims, told Geo News that the local administration in Bahawalpur had not yet reached out to the grieving families as of Saturday night.

Pakistan seeks Iran’s full cooperation in investigating killings

Reacting to the tragic incident, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that they strongly condemned the inhumane and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran.

In a statement, the spokesperson said: “We hope for Iranian side’s full cooperation in investigating the matter and in timely repatriation of victims’ remains.”

He maintained that their mission had already requested consular access to verify their identities.

“The leadership and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened and perturbed over the tragic incident,” the spokesperson said, adding that the PM expressed his deep condolences for the bereaved families.

“On the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, our Embassy in Tehran and our Consulate in Zahidan are in constant touch with the Iranian authorities for a comprehensive investigation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice as well as for prompt repatriation of the victims' remains to Pakistan, read the statement.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu said in a statement termed the incident as a "despicable act of violence".

He said that the Pakistani authorities were in touch with their Iranian counterparts to carry out a swift investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.

"Iran has assured of its utmost cooperation," he added.

Repatriation of bodies

Moreover, the Chagai district administration said that contact had been established with the Iranian authorities regarding the repatriation of the bodies of the individuals killed in Sistan-Baluchestan.

It added that they are in touch with the Pakistani Consulate in Tehran, and it may take two to three days for the bodies to be returned.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad issued a statement regarding the killing of Pakistani mechanics, saying: "We strongly condemn the armed attack on eight Pakistani citizens in the Iranian province of Sistan."

The embassy described the incident as inhumane and cowardly, declaring it completely unacceptable.

"Terrorism poses a continuous and shared threat to the entire region," it added.

The mission further emphasised that all countries must join hands in a united effort to eradicate terrorism and extremism.

"This trend has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people over past decades," the statement read.

The embassy concluded by underscoring the urgent need for collective and coordinated efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The unfortunate incident came as a jolt in the neighbouring countries' efforts to mend bilateral ties following a short but aggressive episode of cross-border tensions that arose after Iran's surprise attack targeted at a militant outfit inside Pakistan.

The region, located near the Iran-Pakistan border, has witnessed several similar incidents in recent years, including shootings, smuggling, and border clashes due to its strategic location.

Pakistani labourers commonly work in vehicle repair and agriculture in Iran’s border region; however, the recent killings signal growing insecurity for foreign workers in the country’s eastern areas.

In January last year, at least nine Pakistanis were killed and three sustained injuries in a firing incident in Iran's southeastern region near the border with Pakistan, just a day after Islamabad and Tehran officially resumed diplomatic ties following a brief strain.