Pakistan’s Foreign Office Demands Probe into Killing of Nine Nationals in Iran.
Nine Pakistani workers were tragically shot dead in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, near the Pakistan border, on Saturday. This violent incident comes as Pakistan and Iran were working towards calming tensions after a recent exchange of deadly border fire.
The killings were reported by Iran’s Mehr news agency, stating that the attack took place in the early hours of the morning in Saravan city. The attackers, whose identities remain unknown, entered a house in the Sirkan neighborhood and opened fire on the residents while they slept, killing nine and injuring three.
These Pakistani workers, identified as Mohammad Azar, Ashfaq, Shoaib, Usman, and two brothers including five from Alipur tehsil of Muzaffargarh district, had been living in Iran for eight years under a work visa. They originally hailed from the districts of Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Bahawalpur in Punjab.
Following the tragic news, family members of the deceased staged a protest demanding the Pakistani government’s assistance in bringing their loved ones’ bodies back home.
Pakistan Responds to the Attack
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called for a full investigation and quick action against the attackers. “We are in touch with Iranian authorities and have underscored the need to immediately investigate the incident and hold to account those involved in this heinous crime,” stated FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. She described the incident as “horrifying and despicable.”
The Pakistani consul in Zahedan is making efforts to assist the injured and coordinate with local authorities for justice. Efforts are also being made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased swiftly.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muddasir Tipu, expressed his shock and requested Iran’s full cooperation in the investigation. Mr. Tipu has assured the families of the victims and the injured of Pakistan’s support.
The Timing and Diplomatic Implications
This attack occurred just before the Iranian foreign minister’s visit to Islamabad, which was expected to cover border security concerns, among other topics. It follows recent tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and Pakistan and could potentially increase existing tensions.
The Pakistani envoy also met with Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, who emphasized the importance of border security and economic exchanges. President Raisi referred to the two countries as “brothers” with “unbreakable” relations.
Background of Regional Tensions
The incident follows recent military actions in the Balochistan border region, which had already heightened regional tensions amidst conflicts elsewhere.
Both countries had exchanged fire at militant targets across their borders, with Iran targeting the Jaish al-Adl group and Pakistan responding with airstrikes.
The two nations had only recently decided to de-escalate and resume diplomatic missions with their ambassadors returning to their posts.
With the backdrop of such sensitivity, the attack on Pakistani workers underscores the complex security challenges and the delicate nature of cross-border relations between Iran and Pakistan.
