ISLAMABAD (AP) – The Pakistani government has formally requested "full cooperation" from Tehran concerning the recent murder of eight Pakistani nationals in southeastern Iran, according to officials. This tragic incident occurred on Saturday in Mehrestan County within the Sistan and Baluchistan province, which is approximately 230 kilometers (142 miles) from the border between Pakistan and Iran. The Pakistani foreign ministry has urged a comprehensive investigation into the killings.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir, informed the public via a post on X that the victims were laborers. He also indicated that the governments of Islamabad and Tehran are collaborating to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased bodies back to Pakistan. As of now, no group has taken responsibility for the killings, which has left authorities puzzled.
The Baluch regions, which span across Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, have been plagued by an insurgency led by Baluch nationalists who have been fighting for independence for more than two decades. In Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)—considered a terrorist organization by the United States in 2019—often target security forces as well as civilians, intensifying the cycle of violence.
In response to the brutal killings, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the act and extending condolences to the Pakistani government and its people. The ministry emphasized that Iran would "spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators and masterminds behind this atrocity and ensuring justice is duly served.” Esmail Baqaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, labeled the killings as "an act of terrorism" and described it as “a criminal act which is fundamentally incompatible with all Islamic principles and legal and humanitarian norms.”
HalVash, an advocacy group representing the Baluch people across Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, reported that unknown assailants opened fire on the eight Pakistani citizens, who were operating a family auto repair business in the city. However, this account could not be independently verified, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The ongoing violence in this region is a symptom of broader geopolitical tensions and local insurgencies that have historically troubled the area. As investigations unfold, the focus will be on what measures both the Iranian and Pakistani governments will take to address security concerns and prevent similar atrocities in the future.
