Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on Iran to quickly arrest those responsible for the killing of eight Pakistani citizens near the Pak-Iran border in Sistan.
The victims, who worked as car mechanics, were shot and killed at a workshop in Mehrestan district, close to the Afghanistan border. Six of them were from Khanqa Sharif in Bahawalpur, and two were from Ahmedpur Sharqia.
PM Shehbaz condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act of terrorism,” and urged Iranian authorities to explain why it happened and ensure the attackers are brought to justice.
“Terrorism remains a grave threat to the entire region,” PM Shehbaz said in a statement, urging neighbouring countries to formulate a joint strategy against extremism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reach out to the families of the victims and offer them immediate help. He also asked the Pakistani embassy in Tehran to make quick arrangements to bring the bodies back home.
Meanwhile, the victims' families have appealed to the government for help in returning their loved ones' remains.
This tragic incident comes at a time when Pakistan and Iran are trying to improve their relationship after a short period of tension earlier this year.
A similar attack happened last year when nine Pakistanis were shot dead near the border, just a day after both countries had resumed diplomatic ties following another brief strain.
