Pakistan demands justice after eight nationals gunned down in Iran

On April 13, 2025, in southeastern Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan province, eight Pakistani nationals were tragically killed in a targeted attack while working in a rural area. This incident occurred in Mehrestan County, approximately 230 kilometers from the Pakistan-Iran border. The victims were engaged in labor and motor repair work and hailed from various locations in Punjab, prompting significant protests and calls for justice from their families and the Pakistani government. In response to this brutal act, Pakistan's Foreign Office released a statement condemning the killings as inhumane and cowardly. They emphasized the need for thorough investigations and swift repatriation of the victims' remains. The Pakistani ambassador to Iran announced that diplomats were working closely with Iranian authorities to facilitate the transfer of bodies back to Pakistan and to ensure those responsible for the killings were apprehended and punished. The Foreign Office highlighted that the leadership and people of Pakistan were deeply saddened by the incident, marking it as a major concern. Pakistani officials expressed their ongoing communication with Iranian counterparts as they sought justice. The situation was compounded by the historical context of insecurity in the region, as it has been plagued by violence associated with insurgencies led by Baluch nationalists. This tragic event is not isolated; there have been a series of violent attacks against Pakistani workers in the region over recent months and years. Previous incidents, including multiple killings of laborers and passengers, suggest a pattern of aggression against this vulnerable demographic. Thus, it underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation to combat terrorism and promote the safety of those living near the volatile border areas of Iran and Pakistan.