ISLAMABAD -UNS : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Iranian government to swiftly apprehend those responsible for the brutal killing of eight Pakistanis near the Pak-Iran border in Sistan, and to ensure they are given exemplary punishment.
At least eight Pakistani nationals, who worked as car mechanics in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, were shot dead by gunmen, Geo News reported on Saturday night. The firing incident took place at a workshop situated in Mehrestan district near the Afghanistan border, according to Iranian media.
Six of the slain men belonged to Bahawalpur’s rural area, Khanqa Sharif, while the remaining two were from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, PM Shehbaz called it a heinous act of terrorism and demanded that Iranian authorities disclose the motives behind the attack to the public.
“Terrorism remains a grave threat to the entire region,” the premier said, while underscoring the need for a coordinated strategy among neighbouring countries to eliminate this menace.
He also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to immediately contact the victims’ families and extend all possible support. He also instructed the Pakistani embassy in Iran to take urgent steps to ensure the safe repatriation of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the families mourning the loss have appealed to the government to assist in the immediate repatriation of the bodies of the deceased.
