THE horrific killing of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province sent shockwaves throughout Pakistan.
These innocent men hailing from the Punjab province, specifically from Bahawalpur’s Khanqah Sharif and Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia were working as auto mechanics in Mehrestan when they were brutally executed in cold blood.
Their hands and feet were tied and they were shot at close range.
This is not merely a tragedy; it is a grim reminder of the growing threat posed by cross-border terrorist elements.
The claim of responsibility by Baloch National Army (BNA), a militant group, underscores the urgency for Iran and Pakistan to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate efforts to root out such groups.
In the immediate aftermath, our Foreign Office strongly condemned what it described as an “inhumane and cowardly” act, calling for a comprehensive investigation.
It conveyed a clear and firm message to the Iranian authorities, urging them to take swift and decisive action against those responsible.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound sorrow over the killings, calling the act “cruel” and “devastating.
” He rightfully called for a coordinated regional strategy against terrorism, emphasizing that the scourge of extremism affects all nations and requires a unified front.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.
There have been such incidents in the past also where Pakistanis were targeted in Iran.
These recurring tragedies demand urgent and sustained action from both sides of the border.
We trust that the Iranian authorities—who have also condemned the attack—will uphold their responsibility and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
The assurance by Iran’s embassy in Islamabad that an investigation is underway is a welcome development.
However, what is equally important is a firm crackdown on terrorist organizations that operate within Iranian territory.
The bond between Iran and Pakistan is rooted in centuries of shared history, culture and religion.
It must not be undermined by non-state actors whose only goal is to spread chaos.
This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call to take terrorism as a joint threat—one that can only be defeated through unity and unwavering resolve.
