The Pakistani Foreign Office has confirmed it is in constant communication with Iranian authorities following the brutal killing of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Iranian officials have launched an investigation into the incident, with Pakistan awaiting verified information before making a formal statement.

The Iranian Embassy in Pakistan has confirmed the deaths of the Pakistani citizens, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident. Speaking to Samaa TV, a spokesperson for the embassy said, “With great sadness, we confirm the deaths of Pakistani citizens in Iran.”

The official added that an immediate investigation has been launched, and Iranian police are actively pursuing the terrorists responsible.

“Each of the perpetrators will be brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent,” the spokesperson stated, assuring that Iranian authorities are in constant contact with Pakistani officials. The embassy also confirmed that efforts are underway to repatriate the bodies of the victims at the earliest.

According to the spokesperson, the killings occurred in a workshop located several kilometers away from a remote area in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

The Pakistani Foreign Office has expressed its deep concern over the tragic killings, emphasising that the embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Zahedan are actively engaged with Iranian authorities to gather details of the situation.

“We are aware of this unfortunate incident and are in close contact with the Iranian authorities,” said a spokesperson for the Foreign Office. “Once the complete facts come out and verified information is available, we will provide a formal response."

Diplomatic response and investigation

Iranian authorities have launched a probe into the killings, with the investigation still ongoing. The Foreign Office spokesperson added that steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of the bodies of the deceased to Pakistan after the completion of legal procedures.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that the Pakistani government is closely monitoring the situation and will cooperate with Iran to ensure that justice is served.

The government’s efforts are being spearheaded by the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran, which has been working closely with Iranian officials. “Our priority is to ensure that the families of the victims are supported and that the bodies are returned home as soon as possible,” the spokesperson stated.

Prime minister’s condemnation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his deep sorrow and condemnation of the brutal killings. In a statement released shortly after the news broke, he extended his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the act as a grave assault on innocent lives.

“The tragic killing of our fellow citizens is deeply concerning,” the Prime Minister said. “Terrorism is a devastating scourge for all countries in the region, and it is imperative that we come together to implement a coordinated strategy against it.”

Prime Minister Sharif also called on the Iranian government to take swift action in apprehending those responsible for the killings and bringing them to justice. He urged Iranian authorities to publicly disclose the reasons behind the attack, stressing the importance of transparency in addressing such a heinous act.

The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact the families of the victims and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of the bodies. He offered prayers for the forgiveness of the deceased and strength for their grieving families.

Federal Minister for Interior’s response

Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, also condemned the killings, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the eight Pakistani lives. Minister Naqvi extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased, saying, “We stand with the families of the victims in this hour of grief. The government’s full sympathies are with the bereaved families, and we are committed to ensuring justice for them.”

Naqvi reiterated that the government would remain engaged with Iranian authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

Background of the incident

The eight victims, who hailed from Punjab, were working as car mechanics at a workshop in the Mehrestan area of Sistan and Baluchistan. The region, located in the southeastern part of Iran, has been plagued by insurgent activity and cross-border militancy, particularly from separatist and terrorist groups. The killings have raised alarm in both Pakistan and Iran regarding the increasing instability in the area.

Diplomatic sources have indicated that once the legal procedures are completed in Iran, steps will be taken to arrange for the bodies to be sent back to Pakistan. The families of the victims have expressed their sorrow and are anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones' remains.

This incident marks the second time in 2025 that Pakistani nationals have fallen victim to violence in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province. On January 27, nine Pakistani citizens were killed in a terrorist attack in the border city of Saravan, highlighting the ongoing security concerns along the Iran-Pakistan border.

The region, which shares a porous border with Pakistan, has long been a hotspot for militancy. Various militant groups, including separatist factions, have targeted both Pakistani and Iranian nationals in the area, exacerbating tensions and complicating cross-border relations.