Eight Pakistanis killed in Iran; countries vow cooperation
Eight Pakistanis killed in Iran’s Sistan-and-Baluchestan as Iranian officials pledge to combat terrorism
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – Eight Pakistani nationals were brutally shot dead in Iran’s southeastern Sistan-Balochistan province over the weekend, prompting widespread grief in Pakistan and urgent calls for justice.
The victims were gunned down by unidentified assailants on Saturday in Mehrestan County, roughly 230 kilometers from the Pakistan-Iran border.
According to local sources, the men—all believed to be motor mechanics from Khanqah Sharif and Ahmadpur East in Bahawalpur district—were attacked inside a workshop where they were sleeping.
The gunmen reportedly identified them one by one before opening fire in what Pakistani authorities are calling a targeted and “inhumane” act of violence.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the victims’ hometowns, where mourning gatherings were held and demands made for the swift repatriation of the bodies.
Grieving families criticized the lack of official response, with no senior government or administrative officials visiting them.
Only a local police officer confirmed the incident to one household. The bodies are expected to arrive in Bahawalpur by late Sunday night, according to sources.
A spokesperson for the banned Balochistan National Army (BNA) claimed responsibility for the killings, while AFP reported that militant group Jaish al-Adl also issued a separate claim.
Pakistan condemned the attack
In response to the massacre, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, confirming that its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Zahidan are actively engaging with Iranian authorities.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the inhumane and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran,” the ministry said, adding that Islamabad had requested immediate consular access to confirm the identities of the deceased and ensure timely repatriation of the bodies.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the killings and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He emphasized the need for a unified regional approach to counter terrorism and directed the Foreign Ministry to coordinate closely with Iranian authorities.
“We hope for the Iranian side’s full cooperation in investigating the matter and timely repatriation of the victims’ remains,” the Prime Minister stated.
Iran’s response on the attack
The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad also issued a strong condemnation, labeling the killings as a “cowardly and inhumane armed incident.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described terrorism as a chronic affliction in the region, driven by “traitorous elements in collaboration with international terrorists” who aim to destabilize peace and security.
“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,” the statement said.
Iran has assured full cooperation with Pakistan in investigating the attack.
Authorities in Tehran have vowed that their security and judicial institutions are committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
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