Shock in Pakistan as 9 citizens killed in Iran; Foreign Minister condemns attack

Pakistan was jolted by the tragic killing of nine of its citizens in the Iranian city of Saravan, situated along the Iran-Pakistan border. The incident occurred on Saturday, just a day after the formal resumption of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran. Acting Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani condemned the attack, labeling it as an attempt to undermine the recently restored Pak-Iran relations.

Jilani urged the Iranian government to take strict action against those responsible for the attack. Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Mudassir, who promptly reached Tehran, confirmed the shooting on social media, expressing deep shock and standing in solidarity with the bereaved families. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, deemed the attack terrible and disgusting, assuring that diplomatic channels are actively engaged, and the embassy is working to repatriate the bodies swiftly.

The victims, who had traveled to Iran for labor, included two individuals from Lodhran and five, including two brothers, from Alipur tehsil in the Muzaffargarh district of Punjab, as reported by Pakistan's Geo News. The incident occurred around 2:30 am on Saturday.

This tragedy unfolds amidst recent efforts by both nations to normalize relations following air strikes. In an attempt to reduce tensions, ambassadors were sent back late on Friday night, and diplomats resumed their duties in Tehran and Islamabad. The attack is perceived as a potential obstacle to the ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve bilateral relations.