In a shocking and deeply distressing incident, unidentified gunmen attacked and killed nine Pakistani workers in the restive southeastern border area of Iran on Saturday. The victims, identified as Pakistani laborers residing and working at an auto repair shop in Saravan, were mercilessly targeted in the assault. Three others sustained injuries during the attack, according to the Baluch rights group Haalvash.

Pakistan's ambassador to Tehran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipi, expressed profound shock over the incident and pledged full support to the bereaved families. In a statement on the X platform, Ambassador Tipi urged Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter.

The Baluch rights group Haalvash provided additional details, stating that the victims were residing at the auto repair shop where they were employed. The assailants, as of now, remain unidentified, and no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iran's state media, while acknowledging the incident, identified the deceased simply as foreign nationals. The country has yet to release further details on the investigation into the tragic event.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned the attack unequivocally, describing it as a horrifying and despicable incident. Baloch emphasized ongoing communication with Iranian authorities, stressing the urgent need for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those involved.

The attack comes at a sensitive time as both Pakistan and Iran have been working to mend ties following recent tit-for-tat attacks. The incident raises concerns about the security situation in the region, prompting calls for collaborative efforts to address and curb such acts of violence along the border. As the investigation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for swift justice and measures to prevent future tragedies.