Pakistani Citizens Ambushed In Iran
Pakistani Citizens Ambushed In Iran . On Saturday, there was a tragic incident in southeastern Iran where unidentified gunmen claimed the lives of nine individuals, as reported by Iranian media. The victims, identified as Pakistanis by Islamabad’s ambassador, were attacked in the Sirkan neighborhood of Saravan city in the Sistan-Baluchistan province. The assailants reportedly entered a residence, shot at the foreigners, and fled the scene. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for this heinous act, leaving the motive behind the attack unclear.
According to Mehr news agency, survivors of the incident shared that three armed individuals were responsible for the attack, resulting in nine fatalities and three injuries. The Deputy Governor of the province, Alireza Marhamati, confirmed this toll and indicated that the attackers targeted a group of individuals who had crossed the border without a visa for labor purposes.
The Pakistani Ambassador to Tehran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, expressed deep shock at the killing of nine Pakistanis in Saravan and pledged the embassy’s full support to the bereaved families. He called upon Iran to extend cooperation in the matter. The Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, condemned the attack, describing it as horrifying and despicable. She urged Iranian authorities to investigate the incident and hold those involved in the crime accountable. Additionally, she assured that the Pakistani embassy would facilitate the repatriation of the deceased.
The victims were identified as laborers from various areas in Pakistan, engaged in painting the dents of tanker tanks carrying Iranian oil to Pakistan. Family members of the victims, including two brothers, demanded the swift return of the bodies and protested in front of the Alipur assistant commissioner’s office.
This tragic incident follows recent cross-border strikes between Pakistan and Iran, contributing to heightened tensions. The border region of Balochistan, shared by both nations, has been a hotspot for unrest, involving drug-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluch ethnic minority, and jihadist activities. The recent military actions further escalated regional tensions, with both countries recalling their ambassadors. However, diplomatic ties were officially restored, leading to the return of ambassadors to their posts.
In a diplomatic meeting between the Pakistani ambassador and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the leaders emphasized the importance of protecting the Iran-Pakistan border for economic exchanges. President Raisi described the two countries as “brothers” with “unbreakable” relations, signaling a commitment to de-escalation and cooperation. Despite the diplomatic efforts, the tragic loss of lives in Saravan underscores the challenges in maintaining stability in the border region.
