Eight Pakistani car mechanics gunned down in eastern Iran: diplomatic sources

ISLAMABAD: At least eight Pakistani car mechanics were shot dead by gunmen in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Saturday.

The firing incident took place at a workshop situated in Mehrestan district near the Afghanistan border, according to Iranian media.

The sources said that the Iranian officials launched an investigation into the incident.

After completing legal procedures, steps will be taken to send the bodies of the slain mechanics to Pakistan, they added.

The victims were identified as Delshad, the owner of the repair shop; his son Naeem; and individuals named Jafar, Danesh, and Nasir — all hailing from Pakistan’s Punjab province, Halwosh news agency reported.

The region, located near the Iran-Pakistan border, has witnessed several similar incidents in recent years, including shootings, smuggling, and border clashes due to its strategic location.

Pakistani labourers commonly work in vehicle repair and agriculture in Iran’s border region; however, the recent killings signal growing insecurity for foreign workers in the country’s eastern areas.

In January last year, at least nine Pakistanis were killed and three sustained injuries in a firing incident in Iran’s southeastern region near the border with Pakistan, just a day after Pakistan and Iran officially resumed diplomatic ties following a brief strain.