The Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday confirmed its active engagement with Iranian authorities following what has been described as a “horrifying and despicable” incident, where terrorists brutally targeted Pakistani nationals in Iran.
According to media reports, unidentified armed assailants carried out a heinous attack earlier today, claiming the lives of nine non-Iranians within a residence situated in the Sirkan neighborhood of Saravan city, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province.
The report noted that, as per witnesses, the victims were mercilessly killed, and as of now, no group or individuals have come forward to claim responsibility for this reprehensible act.
Providing further context, the Baluch rights group Haalvash disclosed on its website that the unfortunate victims were Pakistani laborers, residing at an auto repair shop where they were employed.
In response to media queries regarding reports of a terrorist incident killing Pakistani nationals in Iran, the Foreign Office Spokesperson termed the incident “horrifying and despicable” and also condemned it unequivocally.
“We are in touch with Iranian authorities and have underscored the need to immediately investigate the incident and hold to account those involved in this heinous crime,” it added.
“Moreover, our Consul in Zahedan is on way to the hospital where injured people are being treated and will reach there in a few hours due to long distances and security imperatives involved. He will also meet local authorities, and among other things, impress upon them the urgent need for strong action against the perpetrators of this crime,” the statement noted.
“We are fully seized of this grave matter and are taking all necessary measures in this regard,” the foreign office spokesperson said, adding the embassy would do its best to repatriate dead bodies at the earliest.
“Such cowardly attacks cannot deter Pakistan from its determination to fight terrorism,” the spokesperson remarked in the statement.
This development followed a brief but intense episode of cross-border tensions between the two nations.
The discord ensued when Iran conducted a surprise attack in Balochistan on January 16, ostensibly targeting a militant outfit. In response, Pakistan first withdrew its ambassador from Iran on January 17 and then conveyed the Iranian Envoy a message that not to return Pakistan.
The very next day, Pakistan retaliated and target militant organizations in Iran.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, then both countries reached an agreement for their ambassadors to return to their respective posts by January 26, 2024.
In a joint statement issued earlier this week, the Foreign Office revealed that, at the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 29.
