PAF airlifts bodies of 8 Pakistanis from Iran

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RAWALPINDI:

A C-130 aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) airlifted the mortal remains of eight Pakistani nationals, who were murdered in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province last week, to their native district of Bahawalpur, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release on Thursday.

According to the ISPR, the PAF, on the special directives of the government, airlifted the bodies from the Iranian city of Zahedan, following the completion of medico-legal procedures and necessary documentation.

"The bodies were handed over to the Consul General of Pakistan in Zahedan and subsequently repatriated to Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday," the ISPR said, adding that all the deceased belonged to Bahawalpur district.

Upon arrival at Bahawalpur airport, a solemn ceremony was held to receive the deceased, with civil and military officials in attendance to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved families, the media wing of the military stated.

"The chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and services chiefs have expressed deep sorrow 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 ISPR said.

"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 press release concluded.

The tragic killing occurred on Saturday when the bodies of eight Pakistani men, who had been working as auto mechanics in Mehrestan – approximately 230 kilometres from the Pakistan-Iran border – were discovered.

Six of the victims were residents of Khanqah Sharif, a rural area of Bahawalpur, while the remaining two hailed from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia. Their hands and legs were tied, indicating a gruesome execution-style killing.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)