Bodies of 8 Pakistanis shot dead in Iran returned home for burial

The bodies of eight Pakistani nationals fatally shot earlier this week in Iran’s eastern Sistan-Balochistan province were repatriated to Pakistan early Thursday.

A special aircraft carrying the bodies landed at Bahawalpur Airport in Punjab province around 3 a.m. Strict security measures had been implemented at the airport, where the Bahawalpur Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, rescue officials, and law enforcement personnel were present to oversee arrangements and offer condolences to the bereaved families.

The deceased were subsequently transported by ambulance to their respective hometowns for final rites. Seven victims were residents of Khanqah Sharif in Bahawalpur, while one hailed from Shujabad in the Multan district.

'Barbaric act of terrorism'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement the killings were a "barbaric act of terrorism," urging Iranian officials to share information on the motives behind the attack and take immediate action against those responsible.

According to initial reports, the victims had been working as vehicle mechanics in Iran's Mehrestan district, located approximately 230 kilometers from the Pakistan-Iran border. On April 12, unidentified gunmen stormed the workshop and opened fire, killing all eight men.

Baloch separatists claim attack

Iranian media reports state that the attack was claimed by the Balochistan National Army (BNA), one of several separatist outfits operating in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.

Pakistan has strongly denounced the attack and called on Iranian authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province has long been marred by instability, with periodic violence involving separatist groups, drug traffickers, and security forces.'

It was the second such incident in the province in recent months. In a similar attack last year, nine Pakistani workers were killed.