Gunmen kill nine Pakistani workers in Iran
Islamabad/Tehran, January 28, 2024 (GNP): Gunmen kill nine Pakistani workers in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province near the Pakistan border. Unidentified assailants opened fire, killing nine and injuring three.
Details of the incident
Reports from Iran’s Mehr news agency indicate the attack occurred early Saturday morning in Saravan city’s Sirkan neighborhood.
Among the Pakistani workers who were killed in Iran, belonged from Punjab, specifically Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Bahawalpur districts. Victims were attacked while they asleep. The deceased, including two brothers, succumbed to multiple bullet injuries.
Official response
The Foreign Office of Pakistan has condemned the cowardly act in the strongest terms, demanding a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible for this heinous crime.
Efforts are underway to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the remains of the victims, and the Pakistani consulate in Zahedan is providing assistance to the injured.
Statement from Pakistani ambassador
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muddasir Tipu, has expressed shock over the brutal killings of Pakistani workers and assured full support to the families of the bereaved.
Ambassador Tipu has also emphasized the need for Iran’s cooperation in addressing this tragic incident of killing of Pakistani workers in Iran.
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Deeply shocked by horrifying killing of 9 Pakistanis in Saravan. Embassy will extend full support to bereaved families. Counsel Zahidan is already on his way to incident site & hospital where injured are under treatment.We called upon 🇮🇷 to extend full cooperation in the matter.
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) January 27, 2024
Regional implications
This unfortunate event comes at a critical juncture, just a day before the scheduled visit of the Iranian foreign minister to Islamabad.
Discussions on border security and the challenge of militant sanctuaries were expected to be on the agenda, highlighting the significance of addressing cross-border dynamics and security challenges between the two neighboring countries.
The incident underscores the prevailing security challenges in the region and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of innocent lives.
This timing of this incident is also crucial as it has happened at a time when the two countries are taking measures to de-escalate the tensions which peaked a few days back when both Pakistan and Iran conducted air strikes in each other’s territories.
As both Pakistan and Iran strive to de-escalate tensions and resume diplomatic missions, it is imperative to address the root causes of such violent acts and work towards fostering peace and stability in the region.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time, and Pakistan remains steadfast in its resolve to combat terrorism and promote regional cooperation for a peaceful and prosperous future.