Iran Condemns Killing of Pakistani Workers in Sistan-Baluchestan, Families Seek Repatriation
ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN — The Iranian embassy in Pakistan has strongly condemned the tragic loss of eight Pakistani nationals who were killed in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province on Saturday. Describing the act as “inhumane and cowardly,” Iranian officials confirmed that the victims were from Bahawalpur, a city in southern Punjab, Pakistan.
According to authorities, the Pakistani workers had been residing and working at a car repair workshop in the Mehrestan County area of the province.
A spokesperson for a banned group, the Balochistan National Army (BNA), reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement shared with the media.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, offered heartfelt condolences and condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly armed attack.”
“Terrorism is a serious issue affecting the entire region,” Ambassador Moghadam said, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to counter extremism. He highlighted the long-standing impact of such acts on peace and stability and called for regional cooperation to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He termed the killing of the Pakistani workers a “brutal act” and urged Iranian authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist the victims’ families and coordinate the repatriation of the bodies through Pakistan’s embassy in Iran.
According to initial reports, unknown individuals entered the workshop during the night and opened fire, leading to the fatalities. Local law enforcement responded and transported the victims’ bodies to a nearby hospital. The case is under investigation by Iranian authorities.
The victims have been identified as Dilshad Jind Wada, his son Danish, Naeem Fareed, Jaffar Ramazan, Aamir Liaquat (all from Samma Satta), Nasir (from Musafir Khana), and Khalid and Jamshaid (from Ahmadpur East).
This incident marks the second such tragedy involving Pakistani nationals in the province this year. In January 2024, nine Pakistani workers from Punjab were also killed in a similar attack.
Regional tensions have heightened in recent months, with several cross-border incidents and retaliatory operations involving both Iran and Pakistan. Balochistan, which borders Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, has experienced several incidents targeting workers and travelers from Punjab.
In separate cases throughout the year, individuals from Punjab have been targeted in Balochistan’s Kalat, Barkhan, Kech, and Gwadar districts. Authorities continue to investigate these attacks, which appear to be part of a disturbing trend.
Meanwhile, the grieving families of the eight deceased workers have appealed to the government for the swift repatriation of their loved ones’ remains. Muhammad Sajjad, the brother of one of the victims, urged authorities to act quickly.
Family members, including the mother and widow of Khalid, and the sister of Dilshad — who also lost two nephews — expressed their shock and called for justice. “We are in deep trauma,” they told local media, stressing their economic hardship and seeking support from the government.
According to local reports, Dilshad had established the vehicle repair workshop in the rural Hizabad area of Mehrestan, where the group had been working and living for the past seven years.
Officials from both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in addressing cross-border security challenges and ensuring the safety of citizens working abroad.
