LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the brutal killing of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province, urging the Iranian government to take swift action and hand over those responsible.
The resolution was moved by PML-N MPA Hina Pervaiz Butt and expressed deep sorrow over the targeted killing of the Pakistani workers, who were employed as car mechanics in the remote Mehrestan region.
Resolution Highlights
The text of the resolution stated:
“This House strongly condemns the brutal murder of eight Pakistanis. The deceased were hard-working labourers who had gone abroad to earn a living.”
It noted that all the victims belonged to Punjab and described the attack as an apparent attempt to disrupt the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran. The resolution stressed that Iran is a neighbouring and brotherly Islamic country and called for justice to be delivered without delay.
“The terrorists involved in this heinous act must be apprehended immediately and handed over to Pakistan,” the resolution demanded. It also urged both governments to strengthen cooperation to prevent such incidents in the future.
Diplomatic Engagement Ongoing
Following the incident, the Pakistani Foreign Office confirmed that it was in close contact with Iranian authorities. Pakistan’s Embassy in Tehran and Consulate in Zahedan are actively engaged with local officials to gather verified information and coordinate the repatriation of the victims’ remains.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the killings. Calling it a “heinous act of cross-border terrorism,” the Prime Minister urged Iran to launch a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Iran Responds, Pledges Action
The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the killings and announced that an official investigation is already underway. A spokesperson said that Iranian police are working to arrest those responsible, promising that “the terrorists will be punished according to the law.”
Efforts are also being made to expedite the return of the victims’ bodies to Pakistan, the embassy assured.
Recurring Violence in Border Areas
This latest tragedy comes just months after a similar incident in January, when nine Pakistani nationals were killed in Saravan, also located near the Pakistan-Iran border. The repetition of such violent attacks has sparked growing concern about the safety of Pakistani labourers working in Iran’s volatile southeastern region.
Lawmakers and officials continue to stress the need for enhanced cross-border security cooperation to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens living and working in Iran.
