MANDI BAHAUDDIN (Dunya News) - Six young men from Punjab were killed by gunfire in Iran while reportedly attempting to cross the border illegally on their way to Iraq, according to family sources.
Relatives stated that the victims were allegedly shot by security forces during the border crossing.
Two of the deceased, identified as Basit and Ayaan, belonged to Sahna and Malakwal, while the remaining four hailed from Gujranwala.
Family members revealed that the victims were between 17 and 25 years old.
They alleged that a human smuggler lured the young men with false promises and convinced them to travel without passports.
Six killed in suicide blast at wedding ceremony in DI Khan, Governor seeks report
The group had left Pakistan around one and a half months ago in hopes of reaching Iraq. Basit and Ayaan were reportedly the only sons of their parents.
Sources said the victims last contacted their families on December 19. News of the incident has cast a shadow of grief over their hometowns.
The bereaved families have urged the government to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies and to take strict action against those involved in human smuggling.