In a tragic and deeply disturbing incident, eight Pakistani workers were killed in a brutal terrorist attack in Iran’s Sistan province. The victims, all car mechanics from Bahawalpur, Punjab, lost their lives when armed assailants opened fire at a workshop in the Iranian city of Mehrestan. The horrifying event took place two days ago and has drawn widespread condemnation, prompting swift diplomatic action from Pakistan.
Victims Identified by Pakistani Ambassador
Pakistani Ambassador to Iran, Mudassar Tipu, released the official list of those who lost their lives in the attack. The names of the eight victims are:
- Muhammad Amir
- Muhammad Dilshad
- Muhammad Nasir
- Malik Jamshed
- Muhammad Danish
- Muhammad Naeem
- Ghulam Jafar
- Muhammad Khalid
All the victims were skilled laborers working hard to support their families back home in Bahawalpur. Their tragic deaths have sparked outrage and sorrow across the nation.
Pakistan Contacts Iran to Repatriate Bodies
Following the attack, the Government of Pakistan has been in close contact with Iranian authorities. Ambassador Mudassar Tipu stated that the Pakistani embassy in Tehran is actively working to ensure the swift return of the bodies to their families. “On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, arrangements are being finalized for the repatriation of the deceased,” said the ambassador.
He emphasized that every effort is being made to bring the bodies back home as soon as possible. The embassy is also in touch with the families of the victims, providing them with regular updates and offering support during this incredibly difficult time.
Demand for Justice and Transparent Investigation
In addition to organizing the return of the victims, Pakistan has officially demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack. Mudassar Tipu confirmed that he is personally in communication with high-ranking Iranian officials and has conveyed Pakistan’s expectation for immediate justice.
The Iranian government has assured full cooperation,” said Ambassador Tipu. “We are pursuing all diplomatic channels to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.
The ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s strong stance against terrorism and emphasized the importance of protecting foreign workers who contribute to the local economy.
A Grim Reminder of Security Concerns
This shocking act of violence has raised serious concerns about the safety of foreign workers in conflict-prone areas of Iran. The attack in Mehrestan highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures, particularly for migrant workers who often live and work in vulnerable conditions.
Sistan province, where the attack occurred, borders Pakistan and Afghanistan and has been the site of previous insurgent and militant activity. The region remains sensitive due to ongoing issues involving smuggling, ethnic tensions, and insurgency movements. Experts are calling for increased vigilance and stronger cross-border intelligence sharing to prevent future tragedies.
Nation Mourns the Loss
Back in Pakistan, the news of the killings has deeply affected the people of Bahawalpur and the broader nation. Local communities are grieving the sudden loss of their loved ones, who had traveled abroad in search of better opportunities. Many of the victims were the sole breadwinners for their families.
Public figures, human rights activists, and politicians have expressed their condolences and demanded that Pakistan take a firm stand to protect its citizens abroad. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of grief and calls for accountability.
Government Vows Support for Families
The Government of Pakistan has pledged to fully support the families of the victims, both financially and emotionally. Sources indicate that compensation packages are being prepared and mental health counseling is being arranged for grieving relatives.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a statement, said, We share in the sorrow of the families who have lost their loved ones. This incident is not only a personal loss to them but a national tragedy.
A Call for Action and Accountability
The killing of eight innocent Pakistani workers in Iran is a heartbreaking event that calls for immediate international attention. Pakistan is pressing hard for a full investigation, repatriation of the bodies, and justice for the victims. The government has assured that it will continue to work tirelessly with Iranian authorities to ensure that the lives lost are not forgotten and that justice is served swiftly.
As the nation mourns, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by migrant workers and the importance of protecting those who leave their homes to earn a livelihood abroad.
