Nine Pakistanis killed in Iran a day after restoration of diplomatic ties
Pakistan
'We called upon Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter,' says Pakistan ambassador
(Dunya News) – Nine Pakistan nationals were allegedly shot dead in a horrific incident in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan near Balochistan.
Confirming the development, Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu in a social media post said the killings took place in Saravan city.
Embassy will extend full support to the bereaved families, he said, adding that a Pakistan diplomat was on his way to the incident site and hospital where the injured are under treatment.
“We called upon Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter,” he added.
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) January 27, 2024
Iranian media reported that no militant group had claimed responsibility for the brutal act so far. It said that three people were also injured in the incident.
All the Pakistanis, who were shot dead, worked at a workshop as labourer in Iran.
The development comes a day after the ambassadors of Pakistan and Iran returned to their respective embassies after days of tension between the neighbouring countries over airstrikes by Tehran.
On the social media platform X [formerly Twitter], Additional Foreign Secretary Rahim Hayat Qureshi expressed his delight at the return of the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan.
"Excellency Iranian ambassador, we here in Pakistan are delighted with your arrival back at your second home. Our fraternal relations will go from strength to strength. Grateful for the constructive role played by the two governments and their diplomats."
FO Spokesperson Statement Regarding Iran Incident
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “It is a horrifying and despicable incident and we condemn it unequivocally”.
She said Pakistani authorities are in touch with Iranian authorities and have underscored the need to immediately investigate the incident and hold to account those involved in this heinous crime.
“Moreover, our Consul in Zahedan is on way to the hospital where injured people are being treated and will reach there in a few hours due to long distances and security imperatives involved. He will also meet local authorities, and among other things, impress upon them the urgent need for strong action against the perpetrators of this crime,” she said.
“We are fully seized of this grave matter and are taking all neccessary measures in this regard. The embassy will do its best to repatriate dead bodies at the earliest.”
Such cowardly attacks cannot deter Pakistan from its determination to fight terrorism, the spokesperson concluded.
FM saddened over Deaths of Pakistanis in Iran
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani Saturday said that he was saddened over the death of Pakistanis in Iran in a terrorist attack.
In a post on X, he said, “This heinous attack is an attempt to spoil relations between Pakistan and Iran by our common enemies. While offering condolences to the families of victims, urge the Iranian govt for action.”
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir in a post said he was deeply shocked by the horrifying killing of 9 Pakistanis in Saravan.
“The embassy will extend full support to bereaved families. Counsel Zahidan is already on his way to the incident site & hospital where injured are under treatment.We called upon Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter.”
Earlier in another post, the ambassador said, “Greatly honoured to present credentials to HE Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran in an exclusive ceremony gracefully held at Presidency today. HE Raisi desired to solidify ties with Pakistan.I reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to elevate ties of Pakistan and Iran to new heights building stronger foundations.”
