ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the killing of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, calling it a “heinous act of terrorism.” He urged Iranian authorities to immediately arrest the perpetrators and ensure they face exemplary punishment. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transparency and demanded that Iranian officials disclose the motives behind the attack.
The incident occurred in Mehrestan district near the Afghanistan border, where the victims—mostly car mechanics—were working at a local workshop. Gunmen reportedly opened fire, killing all eight men on the spot. Iranian media also reported the attack but did not offer details on the assailants’ identity or motive.
Of the eight victims, six were from Khanqa Sharif, a rural locality in Bahawalpur, Punjab, while the other two hailed from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia. The region has seen repeated instances of violence due to its strategic location near the borders of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The area is known for smuggling routes, militant hideouts, and frequent border security incidents.
The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the security situation and stressed that terrorism continues to pose a grave threat to the region. He called for stronger coordination among neighboring countries to confront and eradicate terrorism. “This tragic event underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation to eliminate such senseless violence,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately contact the bereaved families and provide all necessary support. He also instructed the Pakistani embassy in Iran to ensure the safe and swift repatriation of the deceased. Meanwhile, grieving families back in Bahawalpur have urged the government to expedite the return of their loved ones’ bodies.
One of the victims, Aamir, had been working in Iran for a year. His father shared that Aamir had intended to return to Pakistan for Eid ul Fitr, but the closure of the border delayed his plans. “We were told there was a terrorist attack at the garage where he worked,” Aamir’s father said, appealing to the authorities for help in bringing the body home.
Naeem, a cousin of another victim, expressed disappointment over the lack of contact from the local administration. “No official from Bahawalpur has reached out to us so far,” he said.
This incident marks another blow to the already fragile bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran. In January last year, nine Pakistanis were killed in a similar attack in southeastern Iran, shortly after diplomatic relations between the two countries resumed following a cross-border military escalation.
Thousands of Pakistani laborers work in Iran, especially in the eastern provinces, mainly in agriculture and vehicle repair. However, incidents like these raise concerns about the safety and well-being of foreign workers in the region.
As the families continue to grieve, they await swift action and justice, hoping that such tragedies can be prevented in the future through regional collaboration and stronger security measures.
