Pakistan urges Iran for full cooperation in investigating murder of eight nationals

ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN, Apr 14: Pakistan has called on Iranian authorities to fully cooperate in its investigation into the brutal murder of eight of its citizens in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province.
The killings occurred on Saturday, of eight Pakistani men, who had been working as auto mechanics in Mehrestan approximately 230 km from the Pakistan-Iran border. The bodies were discovered with their hands and legs tied, indicating an execution-style killing.
The responsibility for the killings was taken by a group called the Baloch National Army, according to The Express Tribune.
Condemning the killings, the Pakistan Foreign Office said “Pakistan strongly condemns the inhumane and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran.” It added “The leadership and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened and disturbed by this tragic incident. The Prime Minister has expressed heartfelt condolences for the bereaved families.”
As per the statement issued by the Foreign Office, the Pakistan embassy in Tehran and the Consulate in Zahedan, on the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in constant touch with the Iranian authorities.
It stressed on a comprehensive investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice as well as a prompt repatriation of the victims’ remains to Pakistan. “We hope for the Iranian side’s full cooperation in investigating the matter and timely repatriation of victims’ remains,” the statement read.
According to Dawn, Pakistan also asked Tehran for a joint investigation into the attack, which Iran fully backed. Iran’s embassy in Islamabad expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged full cooperation in the investigation, calling for collective international efforts to curb terrorism.
The families of the victims called on the government to ensure swift repatriation of the mortal remains, and also sought compensation from the Pakistan government, saying that they were already living below the poverty line and the loss of their primary breadwinners – who had gone to Iran to earn their livelihoods – would leave them hand-to-mouth.
(UNI)

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