ISLAMABAD: Eight Pakistani car mechanics were shot dead in Iran late Saturday, sparking outrage and deepening fears that the country was becoming a hub for anti-Pakistan militants after Afghanistan.
The attack in Sistan-Baluchestan province was attributed to the Balochistan National Army ( BNA ), a lesser-known separatist group, which increased tensions between the neighboring nations as Pakistan demanded swift action. The eight employees were killed at a factory in Mehrestan area, near Afghanistan’s border, according to Pakistani authorities, and were from Punjab, the country’s most popular province.
The deaths were viewed by BNA as retribution for Punjab’s alleged dominance in Balochistan’s economic and political circles. In a statement online, BNA said,” We will not permit strangers to utilize our land and resources,” which is a response to Baloch problems that have long been regarding resource exploitation and marginalization. The organization has partnered with the larger Baloch insurgency led by organizations like the Balochistan Liberation Army ( BLA ).
Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, described the attack as “barbaric.” He urged Tehran to take action and demanded that the culprits been brought to justice right away. The Foreign Ministry was instructed by Sharif to assist the victims ‘ people and return the body. Ishaq Dar, the unusual secretary, also condemned. Our independence is challenged by this attack. We can’t allow foreigners to target our individuals,” Dar said.
Iran’s reply was cautious but overtly obscure. The murders were described as “inhumane and cowardly” by Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, who called violence a” serious situation” that necessitates local cooperation. Tehran, however, provided no material claims of halting organizations like BNA, which sparked skepticism in Islamabad.
Thousands of Pakistanis visit Iran on a regular basis to take up casual jobs in fields like car repairs, structure, and agriculture, especially those from commercially underdeveloped regions.
In a similar assault in Saravancity, which is also located in Iran’s southern border region, nine Pakistani laborers were killed and three thoroughly injured in January of this year. The subjects in that case worked in an auto repair shop, just like in the most recent murders. These deaths occurred during a time when Pakistan and Iran were attempting to rekindle diplomatic relations following tit-for-tat weapon and drone strikes.
