Eight Pakistanis killed in Iranian province of Balochistan-Sistan

At least eight Pakistani nationals, all reportedly from Punjab, were killed in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province, near the Afghan border, in what is being described as a targeted terrorist attack.

The incident occurred in the village of Hizabad-e-Paeen in the Mehrestan district, early Saturday morning, according to a private Pakistani TV channel and Khaama Press News Agency.

All victims were reportedly mechanics working in the area. Unidentified gunmen opened fire and fled the scene.

According to sources, the attack appears to be the work of an anti-Pakistan terrorist organization.

This is believed to be the first such incident targeting Punjabis in Iranian Balochistan, although Punjabi communities have previously been targeted in Pakistan’s own Balochistan province by separatist groups.

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Officials from the Pakistani Embassy in Iran have been dispatched to the site to gather further information. The process of identifying and verifying the victims is currently underway.

However, no official statements have yet been released by either Iranian or Pakistani authorities regarding the killings.

The tragic incident has sparked concerns about the safety of Pakistani workers abroad, especially in sensitive border regions with active militant presence.