Tehran Strongly Condemns Killing of 9 Pakistani Nationals in Southeastern Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kana’ani deplored the murder of at least nine Pakistani citizens in the Southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan in an armed attack, stressing that Tehran and Islamabad will not tolerate affliction of damage to the neighboring countries’ friendly relations.

Condoling with the government in Islamabad and the survivors of the attack, Kana’ani said Iran and Pakistan will not allow enemies to “cause damage to the countries’ brotherly relations”.

He added Iran’s relevant authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragedy.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has also lamented the attack, considering it to be a plan on the part of the countries’ “common enemies” to disrupt their mutual ties.

The top diplomat urged the Iranian government to take due action against the elements behind the attack.

Unknown assailants gunned down at least nine Pakistani nationals and injured three others in the suburb of the city of Saravan in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan.

The atrocity was perpetrated by three gunmen, who attacked the residence housing the victims, and fled the scene after causing the casualties.

In a meeting with Pakistan’s new Ambassador to Tehran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu on Saturday, Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi stated the border between the two countries must be safeguarded against any sort of insecurity and instability.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes borders are an opportunity for economic exchanges and the promotion of security of the neighboring countries,” the president said.

Iran’s president urged the two countries to implement common plans to battle terrorism and organized crime.

He stressed the importance of strictly countering any negative atmosphere in relations between Tehran and Islamabad.

The presence and activities of these terrorist groups pose a threat to all the countries in the region, Rayeesi added, emphasizing that Tehran welcomes regional cooperation to counter terrorism.

The Pakistani envoy, for his part, hailed Rayeesi’s effective role in settling recent tensions between the two countries and welcomed the Iranian president’s roadmap to a coherent community of regional countries.

Mudassir stated that senior Pakistani officials are resolute on strengthening cordial ties with Iran.