A resolution condemning the brutal killing of eight Pakistani nationals in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan province was submitted in the Punjab Assembly on Monday.

The resolution, moved by - PML-N MPA Hina Pervaiz Butt - expressed deep grief over the targeted killing of Pakistani citizens who were employed as car mechanics in the remote Mehrestan area of Iran’s Sistan province.

According to the text, “This House strongly condemns the brutal murder of eight Pakistanis. The deceased were hard-working labourers who had gone abroad for livelihood.”

The resolution further stated that all victims hailed from Punjab, and such an act of terrorism appeared to be a deliberate attempt to sabotage friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran.

It emphasised that “Iran is our neighbour and an Islamic brother country,” calling upon Tehran to ensure justice is served swiftly.

“The terrorists involved must be arrested immediately and handed over to Pakistan,” the resolution demanded, urging both governments to cooperate to prevent such incidents in the future.

Diplomatic efforts underway

Earlier, the Pakistani Foreign Office had confirmed it was in constant contact with Iranian authorities following the incident, which took place earlier this week. The FO spokesperson stated that Pakistan’s Embassy in Tehran and Consulate in Zahedan are actively engaged with local officials to obtain verified details and facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ bodies.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the killings, describing the act as “heinous” and a “devastating example of cross-border terrorism.” The Prime Minister called on Iranian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice.

Iran confirms deaths, launches probe

The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad has confirmed the incident, assuring that an immediate investigation is underway. A spokesperson told Samaa TV that Iranian police are committed to apprehending all those involved.

“The terrorists will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” the spokesperson said, adding that efforts are being made to return the victims’ bodies to Pakistan as soon as possible.

This is the second such incident in recent months. In January, nine Pakistanis were killed in a similar attack in Saravan, near the Pakistan-Iran border, raising concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals working in Iran’s volatile border regions.