Pakistan Seeks Justice for Labourers Slain in Iran
On January 27, 2024, nine Pakistani labourers were tragically shot dead by unidentified assailants in Saravan, a city in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province near the Pakistan border. Three others sustained injuries in the attack. The victims, who hailed from Punjab’s Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran districts, had been working in Iran for several years in pursuit of better livelihoods. The Economic Times+8Dawn+8The Week+8Dawn+4Samaa TV+4Dawn+4
Pakistan's Response and Diplomatic Efforts
The Pakistani government swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it “horrifying and despicable.” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized the need for an immediate and thorough investigation, urging Iranian authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. She also assured that Pakistan’s consul in Zahedan was en route to assist the injured and coordinate with local officials. Pakistan Today+7ThePrint+7The Express Tribune+7Wikipedia+7The Express Tribune+7The Week+7The Economic Times+4India Today+4ThePrint+4
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muddasir Tipu, expressed deep shock over the killings and called upon Iran for full cooperation in the matter. He affirmed that the embassy would extend full support to the bereaved families. ThePrint+7India Today+7The Economic Times+7The Economic Times+3The Express Tribune+3Wikipedia+3
Repatriation and Public Outcry
Following the incident, Iranian authorities handed over the bodies to Pakistani officials at the Taftan border. The deceased were then transported to Punjab via a special plane from Juzzak Airport in Saindak. Families and friends gathered in Multan to receive the bodies, which were subsequently taken to their native towns for burial. Dawn+3The Express Tribune+3The Week+3Wikipedia+2Samaa TV+2Dawn+2
The attack sparked protests in the victims' hometowns, with families demanding justice and the safe return of their loved ones' remains. In Alipur, relatives blocked roads and called on the government to ensure accountability for the heinous act. Dawn+9The Economic Times+9ThePrint+9
Iran's Stance and Ongoing Investigations
Iranian authorities condemned the killings and assured Pakistan of a comprehensive investigation. The Iranian envoy to Pakistan emphasized that both nations would not allow enemies to damage their brotherly relations. The Express Tribune+9Pakistan Today+9Wikipedia+9
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and investigations are ongoing. The incident occurred amid efforts by Iran and Pakistan to mend relations following recent cross-border tensions. Pakistan Today+3Wikipedia+3India Today+3
Summary
The tragic killing of nine Pakistani labourers in Iran has intensified calls for justice and highlighted the need for enhanced security measures for migrant workers. Both Pakistan and Iran have expressed commitment to investigating the incident and preventing such attacks in the future
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