Islamabad Calls for Immediate Investigation into Armed Attack on 9 Pakistani Nationals in Iran

Pakistan has confirmed the death of 9 of its nationals in Iran and has called for an "immediate investigation" into this "terrorist incident" to punish the perpetrators. Iranian media reported earlier on Saturday, February 25, that unidentified armed men killed 9 foreign nationals in southeastern Iran, near the Pakistan border. According to these reports, the shooting occurred in a house in Saravan County in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, close to the Pakistan border. The victims were Pakistani workers living and working in a car repair shop, according to the Halosh website, which covers news in Sistan and Baluchestan. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, reacted by stating, "This is a horrific and despicable incident, and we condemn it outright." She added, "We are in contact with the authorities of the Islamic Republic and have emphasized the need for urgent action regarding this incident and accountability for those involved in this heinous crime." No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. This incident comes at a time when the ambassadors of the two countries, who were recalled to their countries following last month's tensions, have resumed their diplomatic missions. Relations between Tehran and Islamabad have slightly strained after the IRGC's attack on positions inside Pakistan on January 15 and Pakistan's retaliatory attack on January 17. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated that there is no need to escalate tensions and called for "restraint from all parties." Armed men killed 9 foreign nationals near the Iran-Pakistan border. Following tensions with Iran, Islamabad claimed that India was involved in the assassination of two Pakistani citizens. Kamran Bukhari stated that Iran's attack on Pakistan was a gamble aimed at sending a message to Washington. Abdul Hamid urged Iran and Pakistan to "engage in dialogue"; protesters in Zahedan shouted "Death to Khamenei." Pakistan stated that it does not intend to escalate differences with Iran; discussions between the foreign ministers of the two countries.