by Pakistanis Killed in shooting Incident near Iran’s Border
New Delhi, Jan 27: In a tragic incident near Iran’s border, 9 Pakistani citizens lost their lives while three others were injured in a shooting incident on Saturday. The victims, who were identified as Pakistani labourers, were attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Sirkan area of Saravan city, Iran. They were residing and working in an auto repair shop, according to the Mehr News Agency of Iran.
The violence, which took place just one day after the restoration of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran, has raised concerns about the fragile nature of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The incident also highlights the challenges faced along their shared border.
No organization or individual has taken responsibility for the attack yet. Baluch rights group Haalvash has voiced their concerns on their website, identifying the victims as Pakistani labourers. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, strongly condemned the attack and called for an investigation. She urged the Iranian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Muddasir Tipu, expressed shock over the event and assured collaboration with Iranian officials. The embassy has dispatched a consul to both the scene of the incident and the hospital treating the injured.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in the wake of recent hostilities between the two nations. Iran had conducted attacks on terrorist bases in Pakistan, and in response, Pakistan had carried out retaliatory strikes in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. The recent events underscore the complexities and challenges in the bilateral relationship.
As a sign of further cooperation, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is expected to visit Pakistan soon, upon invitation from his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stronger border security and enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. Both nations must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens living in border regions. The authorities must swiftly investigate the attack and bring the culprits to justice to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
It is crucial for the international community to support Pakistan and Iran in their efforts to maintain peace and stability along their shared border. Only through open dialogue and collaboration can the two nations effectively address the challenges they face and build a stronger relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation.
