ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Sunday called for full cooperation from Iranian authorities in investigating and bringing to justice those responsible for the brutal murder of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province over the weekend.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday when the bodies of eight Pakistani men, who had been working as auto mechanics in Mehrestan – approximately 230 kilometres from the Pakistan-Iran border – were discovered. Their hands and legs were tied, indicating a gruesome execution-style killing. A little-known group, the Baloch National Army (BNA), claimed responsibility for the attack.
While the Foreign Office issued a measured statement condemning the incident, sources revealed that Pakistan had conveyed a strong message to Iran regarding the presence of Baloch terrorist groups on its soil. “Pakistan strongly condemned the inhumane and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran,” the Foreign Office said.
“The leadership and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened and disturbed by this tragic incident. The Prime Minister has expressed heartfelt condolences for the bereaved families.”
The statement further noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Iran has requested consular access to verify the victims’ identities.
According to the statement, the Pakistan embassy in Tehran and the Consulate in Zahidan, on the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in constant touch with the Iranian authorities.
It stressed a comprehensive investigation to ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice as well as a prompt repatriation of the victims’ remains to Pakistan. “We hope for Iranian side’s full cooperation in investigating the matter and in timely repatriation of victims’ remains,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called for the implementation of a coordinated strategy by all countries in the region against terrorism, saying that the menace of terrorism was devastating for all nations in the region.
Shehbaz expressed grave concern over the cruel killing of eight Pakistanis in the area of Mehrestan, in Iran, and urged Tehran to immediately arrest the accused and bring before the public the reasons for this cruel act.
According to Iranian media reports, unidentified gunmen opened fire at a workshop in Mehrestan district near the Afghanistan border, killing at least eight Pakistani nationals, who were working there as car mechanics.
Six of the victims were residents of Khanqah Sharif, a rural area of Bahawalpur, while the remaining two hailed from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia. According to reports, the victims were found with their hands and feet tied and had been shot at close range.
Family members of the victims have appealed to the government for help in bringing the remains home. Shehbaz directed the Foreign Ministry to contact with the victims’ families and directed the Pakistan’s embassy in Iran for the safe return of the bodies.
The Iranian embassy in Islamabad also condemned an “inhumane and cowardly armed” attack, calling for joint efforts to eradicate terrorisma chronic plight and a common threat throughout the region.
“Combating this ominous phenomenon requires collective and joint efforts by all countries to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in recent decades,” it added.
The embassy said that investigation had been launched into the killing of the Pakistanis, adding that the Iranian police were determined to arrest the terrorists involved in the incident and bring them to justice. It said that arrangements were being made to send the bodies back as soon as possible.
