RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday repatriated the bodies of eight Pakistani nationals who were killed in a terrorist attack in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan province, the military’s media wing said.
According to the military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), acting on special government directives, a PAF C-130 aircraft transported the mortal remains from Zahedan, Iran, to Bahawalpur.
After completing medico-legal formalities and necessary documentation, the bodies were handed over to Pakistan’s Consul General in Zahedan before being repatriated to Pakistan early Thursday, the ISPR said.
Upon arrival at Bahawalpur Airport, officials held a solemn reception ceremony attended by civil and military representatives who paid respects and offered condolences to grieving families.
“The Pakistan Armed Forces stand united with the nation in this hour of grief and reaffirm their unwavering resolve against terrorism in all its forms,” the ISPR emphasized.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs expressed profound grief over “the tragic loss of precious Pakistani lives”.
They extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for strength, patience, and fortitude for them in bearing this irreparable loss.
The eight men, identified as mechanics, were gunned down on Saturday while working at a workshop in the village of Hazabad, located in the Mehrstan district of Iran’s Sistan-Balochestan province, according to media reports.
Among the victims were Dilshad, the workshop owner, his son Naeem, and others including Jafar, Danish, and Nasir—all hailing from Punjab.
Iranian media confirmed the nature of their work, while the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act.”
“Terrorism is a longstanding plague and a shared threat to the entire region,” the embassy spokesperson said, adding that treacherous elements, in collaboration with international terrorists, are targeting regional peace and stability.
