Gunmen in southeastern Iran killed nine Pakistani workers on Saturday, according to Pakistan’s ambassador and the Baluch rights group Haalvash. The incident occurred as the two countries are trying to repair their relationship following recent attacks.
Pakitani ambassador Muhammad Mudassir Tipu expressed his shock and said the embassy will provide full support to the families of the victims. He also called on Iran to cooperate in the matter.
Haalvash reported that the victims were Pakistani laborers who resided at an auto repair shop where they worked, while three others were injured in the attack.
Iran’s state media identified the deceased only as foreign nationals and confirmed that no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the shootings in Saravan.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch denounced the incident, emphasized the need for an immediate investigation, and urged the Iranian authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
The shooting took place just before Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was scheduled to visit Pakistan on Monday.
Iranian state media reported that the Pakistani and Iranian ambassadors were returning to their respective postings after being recalled amidst missile strikes between the two countries last week, with each side claiming to have targeted militant groups.
During their meeting, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stressed the importance of protecting the Iran-Pakistan border against any insecurity, emphasizing the potential for economic exchanges between the two nations.
The impoverished Sistan-Baluchestan region has been plagued by clashes between security forces and separatist militants, as well as smuggling of opium from neighboring Afghanistan.
Iran’s low fuel prices have led to an increase in fuel smuggling to Pakistan and Afghanistan, despite efforts by Iranian border guards to crack down on the illegal activity.
(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; additional reporting by Saleem Ahmed in Quetta; editing by William Maclean, Jason Neely and Nick Macfie)
