The Sirkan neighbourhood of Iran’s capital, Saravan, bore witness to a horrific incident last Saturday when nine Pakistani workers tragically lost their lives in a terrorist attack. This appalling act, which unfolded in an auto repair workshop where the victims resided, has left a community shattered and sparked concerns about the security situation in the bordering regions of Pakistan and Iran.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, three individuals sustained injuries during the attack, further highlighting the vulnerability of innocent lives in areas marked by the presence of notorious Baloch militant groups along the Pakistan-Iran border. This tragic event comes in the aftermath of Pakistan’s targeted strikes on militant outfits, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), operating within Iranian territories.
The attackers, in a cowardly act, reportedly entered the auto repair workshop and callously shot each member present. This ruthless act of violence against labourers who were simply going about their daily lives is a stark reminder of the persisting threats in the region.
Among the victims, five hail from various areas of Alipur in the Punjab province, and they have been diligently working in Iran for the past decade. Their families, now grappling with the profound grief of losing their loved ones, have reached out to the assistant commissioner’s office for assistance in facilitating the transfer of the deceased bodies to Pakistan.
In response to this heinous act, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran promptly condemned the attack and called upon Iranian authorities to extend their full cooperation with their Pakistani counterparts in investigating and addressing this tragic incident. The diplomatic response underscores the need for collaborative efforts between the two nations to ensure the safety and security of their citizens in bordering areas.
This incident raises critical questions about the persisting challenges posed by militant groups operating along the Pakistan-Iran border. The Baloch militant groups, specifically the BLA and BLF, have been a source of regional instability, and their retaliatory actions following Pakistan’s strikes demand careful consideration.
Precision in target killing of Pakistanis in Sarawan county of Sistan o Baluchestan province of Iran indicates possibility of inside support within Iranian LEAs and strengthens Pakistani claim of IRGC support to Anti Pakistan Baloch militant groups within Iran
Lastly, as the victims’ families mourn and seek solace, it is imperative for both Pakistan and Iran to collaboratively address the root causes of such incidents and work towards bolstering security measures in the bordering regions. The international community, too, should remain vigilant and offer support in ensuring that acts of terrorism do not go unanswered and that those responsible are brought to justice.
