Synopsis
The families of eight Pakistani nationals murdered in Iran are demanding the immediate return of their loved ones' remains. The government is urged to cooperate with Iranian authorities for a thorough investigation and repatriation.Key Takeaways
- Eight Pakistani nationals were murdered in Iran.
- Families are demanding the return of remains.
- Government is in touch with Iranian authorities.
- Baloch Nationalist Army claimed responsibility.
- Victims had been in Iran illegally for seven years.
Islamabad, April 14 (NationPress) As Islamabad engages diplomatic avenues to probe the heinous murder of eight Pakistani citizens in Iran's Mehrestan, the bereaved families from Punjab Bahawalpur are urging the government to facilitate the swift repatriation of their loved ones' remains.
The group of eight Pakistanis was brutally killed by assailants in Mehrestan, located approximately 230 kilometers from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The victims were found with their hands and legs bound, indicating a targeted killing. The Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) has taken responsibility for this attack, asserting that the victims were specifically targeted due to their origins from Punjab.
All eight individuals were employed as car mechanics at a local workshop and belonged to the same family. Their relatives report being in deep distress and are eager to have the remains returned as soon as possible.
"We demand the return of their bodies immediately so we can give them a proper burial and grieve their tragic loss," stated the widow of Khalid, one of the victims hailing from the Ahmedpur East area of Bahawalpur district.
Reportedly, all eight men had entered Iran illegally around seven years ago.
"Naeem's marriage was scheduled to take place soon. We implore our government to liaise with Iranian authorities to expedite the return of their bodies," expressed a family member.
The Pakistani government has requested full cooperation from Iranian officials to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the brutal slaying of its citizens in Iran.
"Following the directives of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, our Embassy in Tehran and our Consulate in Zahidan are in ongoing communication with Iranian authorities for a thorough investigation and to ensure the prompt return of the victims' remains to Pakistan," stated a release from the Pakistan Foreign Office.
"Pakistan unequivocally condemns the barbaric and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran. We anticipate complete cooperation from the Iranian side in investigating this matter and in the timely repatriation of the victims' remains," the statement continued.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also voiced significant concerns regarding the killings.
The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad has called for a united effort to combat terrorism, condemning the attack as inhumane and cowardly.
"Addressing this grave issue necessitates collaborative efforts from all nations to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed numerous lives across the region," stated the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad.
