Islamabad: Iran has issued a strong condemnation following the killing of eight Pakistani nationals in its southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
In a statement, the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad described the incident as an "inhuman and cowardly armed attack," without providing specific details. The embassy emphasized that terrorism remains a longstanding and shared threat across the region, facilitated by "traitorous elements in collaboration with international terrorists aiming to destabilize regional peace and security."
The embassy also stressed the need for collective and joint efforts to confront such unfortunate incidents.
Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Office had confirmed it was in contact with Iranian authorities over the incident that took place in the Mehristan area of Iran. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Khan stated that Pakistan was aware of the incident and would release a formal statement once verified information is available.
Meanwhile, the banned militant group Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Although no official confirmation of the group's claim has been made, this appears to be the first time BNA has claimed responsibility for killing Pakistani citizens within Iranian territory.
Historically, BNA has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Media reports note that the last major attack linked to the group was in January 2022, when an explosion occurred in the crowded Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, killing three people and injuring 26.
The BNA was reportedly formed in 2022 through the merger of the banned Baloch Republican Army (Gulzar Imam faction) and the banned United Baloch Army. Its first known leader was Gulzar Imam Shambay from the border district of Panjgur in Balochistan.
Most violent incidents in Balochistan have previously been attributed to groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), and their alliance BRAS (Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar).
The BNA has sporadically claimed responsibility for attacks in the Makran division, particularly in the districts of Panjgur and Kech.
In April 2023, Pakistan’s military reported the capture of Gulzar Imam during an operation against militants in Balochistan. Prior to this, in late 2022, BNA had acknowledged that he was in Pakistani custody, with some reports suggesting he was detained in Türkiye and handed over to Pakistan.
Following Gulzar Imam's arrest, Sarfraz Bangalzai from Mastung district emerged as the group’s new leader. However, he surrendered last year and joined Pakistan’s national mainstream, according to official statements.
