ISLAMABAD: 12 April 2025 – Unidentified armed men killed eight Pakistani workers in the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan, who were working at a workshop, on Saturday, officials said. The Iranian authorities confirming the killing of the 08 Pakistani nationals said that the tragic incident took place in a village of Meharistan district in the morning.
Earlier on 31 Jan 2024, 9 Pakistani laborers shot dead in Iran in the same region. The deceased labourers, hailing from the districts of Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran, had ventured to Iran in search of a better livelihood.
In the latest terrorism, 5 out of 8 victims of the firing were identified as Dilshad, his son Muhammad Naeem, Jaffar, Danish and Nasir.
As the investigation continues, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and lives of its citizens abroad and expects full cooperation from the Iranian side in this matter. Further updates are expected as Iranian authorities complete their inquiry into the tragic incident.
“All the eight Pakistani who were killed belong to Bahawalpur city of southern Punjab,” the Iranian officials said, adding that they were staying at a workshop where they used to dent, polish, paint and repair cars.
Unknown armed men barged into the workshop sometime in the night and after tying their hands and feet opened indiscriminate firing and killed them. The attackers after killing all the eight Pakistanis escaped from the site.
The Iranian police rushed to the area after receiving information about the tragic incident and after recovering the bodies were shifted to the hospital.
A spokesman for the banned Balochistan National Army (BNA) through a statement issued to the media has claimed responsibility for the killing of eight Pakistanis.
Iranian authorities have said that the Iranian police were investigating the incident. It was a second such incident in the Sistan Baluchestan, as a few years ago armed men had killed nine Pakistanis who were also working in Iran as motor mechanics and staying in a workshop.
Pakistani Response to the Heinous Act in Iran
PM Shehbaz Sharif and the Foreign Office have strongly reacted to the killing of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan province, demanding immediate justice and coordinated regional efforts against terrorism.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the brutal killing of Pakistani citizens in Iran. Calling it a “heinous act,” the premier urged the Iranian government to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
“The reasons behind this barbaric incident must be brought to light, and the culprits must be punished,” he said. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for a joint and coordinated regional strategy to combat terrorism, urging all countries in the region to act collectively.
He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in contact with the victims’ families and instructed the Pakistani embassy in Iran to ensure the safe repatriation of the bodies.
The spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan is in contact with Iranian officials regarding the incident. “We are in touch with the Iranian authorities and are gathering details. A formal statement will be issued once all the facts are known,” the spokesperson said.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the killings, describing the incident as “tragic” and expressing deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He reassured them that the government stands by them in this difficult time and will extend full support. Naqvi emphasized that all sympathies and support from the government are with the victims’ families, and reiterated the need for justice and accountability.
Statement of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the inhumane and cowardly armed incident against 8 Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan and Balouchestan province.
Terrorism is a chronic plight and a common threat throughout the region by which the traitorous elements, in collaboration with international terrorism, target security and stability throughout the region.
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.
Iran Pakistan Surgical Strikes and Diplomatic Cut Off
After 09 Pakistanis killed in Sistan Iran by the same terrorists on 31 Jan 2024, Iran carried out a missile and drone attack on what it said the hideouts of the terrorists in western Pakistan on 17 Jan 2024. But the surgical strike was actually meant to take revenge of the worst domestic attack since the Islamic Revolution, when two bombs killed 84 people at the funeral of General, Qasem Soleimani in Kerman one two weeks ago.
Officials in Islamabad said two children were killed and three others injured in the attack in Balochistan. Iran’s foreign minister said the operation targeted the militant group Jaish al-Adl, which he described as an “Iranian terrorist group” in Pakistan. The Balochistan attack comes after Iran attacked targets in Iraq and Syria earlier this week.
As a result the Pakistan’s government recalled its ambassador to Iran and has blocked Tehran’s envoy from returning.
Pakistan, next day , On 18 January, conducted military strikes inside Iran, claiming to have targeted Baloch militants. A site in the city of Saravan was hit. Iranian officials claimed nine foreign nationals were killed, including three women and four children.
