ISLAMABAD – The bodies of eight Pakistani nationals who were tragically killed in Iran earlier this month were flown back to Pakistan late Wednesday night. A special military aircraft brought the remains to Bahawalpur Airport in the early hours.
The victims were working as motor mechanics in Iran’s Sistan province when they were gunned down by unidentified attackers in Mehrestan district on April 12.
A solemn ceremony was held at the airport to honor the deceased. Military and civilian officials attended the event, along with the Governor of Zahedan, who offered condolences on behalf of Iran.
The bodies were then taken to the victims’ hometowns.
Five of them were from Khanqah Sharif, Bahawalpur
Two were from Ahmedpur Sharqia
One was from Musafir Khana, Mubarakpur
Large crowds gathered in each town to attend the funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) and offer support to the grieving families.
The community was especially shaken by the loss of Nasir, who had only been married 18 months ago and had been working abroad for a year.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi expressed deep sorrow over the killings and assured Pakistan of full cooperation in the investigation. He shared condolences with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and promised that Iran would work closely with Pakistani authorities to bring the attackers to justice.