PM Shehbaz expresses grief over death of 8 Pakistanis in Iran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the cruel killing of eight Pakistanis in the area of Mehrestan, Sistan province in Iran.

He expressed grave concern over the killing of Pakistanis on Iranian land. He prayed for the departed souls and the bereaved families.

The prime minister said the menace of terrorism was devastating for all countries in the region. He called for the implementation of a coordinated strategy of all countries in the region against terrorism.

Additionally, He said the Iranian government, after immediately arresting the accused, should mete out just punishment to them and bring before the public reasons for this cruel act.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact the families of the deceased Pakistanis and Pakistan’s embassy in Iran for the safe return of their dead bodies.

Earlier, gunmen shot dead at least eight Pakistani car mechanics in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, here on Saturday.

According to the Iranian media, the shooting took place at a workshop in Mehrestan district, near the Afghan border.

The sources said Iranian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

They added that steps would be taken to send the bodies of the slain mechanics to Pakistan after completing legal procedures.

The dead were identified as Delshad, who owned a repair shop; his son Naeem; and Jafar, Danesh, and Nasser – all from Pakistan’s Punjab province, Halwosh News Agency reported.