Nine Pakistanis killed in Iran after reinstatement of diplomatic ties
Nine Pakistani nationals were reportedly killed in a distressing event in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan, adjacent to Balochistan.
The Pakistani Ambassador to Iran, Mr. Mudassir Tipu, has confirmed the occurrence through a statement on social media, indicating that the incident transpired in the city of Saravan.
The Embassy has pledged to provide complete assistance to the families of the deceased. Mr. Tipu also noted that a Pakistani diplomat is currently en route to the location of the incident and to the medical facility where those wounded are receiving care.
Furthermore, he stated, ‘We have formally requested the Iranian authorities to cooperate fully in resolving this matter.’
Iranian media reported that no militant group had claimed responsibility for the brutal act so far. It said that three people were also injured in the incident.
All the Pakistanis, who were shot dead, worked at a workshop as labourer in Iran.
The development comes a day after the ambassadors of Pakistan and Iran returned to their respective embassies after days of tension between the neighbouring countries over airstrikes by Tehran.
On the social media platform X [formerly Twitter], Additional Foreign Secretary Rahim Hayat Qureshi expressed his delight at the return of the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan.
“Excellency Iranian ambassador, we here in Pakistan are delighted with your arrival back at your second home. Our fraternal relations will go from strength to strength. Grateful for the constructive role played by the two governments and their diplomats.
Spokesperson for the Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated, ‘We are faced with a tragic and contemptible event, which we unreservedly denounce.’
Ms. Baloch has confirmed that Pakistani representatives are actively engaging with their Iranian counterparts, emphasizing the imperative to promptly conduct investigations into the incident and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In addition, she informed that the Consul in Zahedan is en route to the medical facility where those injured are receiving care. His arrival is expected within a few hours, subject to the extensive travel distance and the requisites of security. During his visit, he will also engage with local officials to advocate for immediate and decisive action against the culprits of this vile act.
‘We are fully cognizant of the severity of this situation and are exerting all necessary efforts to address it. The embassy is committed to facilitating the expeditious repatriation of the deceased,’ she articulated.