The repatriation of the bodies of eight Pakistani workers brutally murdered in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province is expected to take 8 to 10 days, leaving grieving families in Bahawalpur anxiously awaiting their loved ones’ return for final rites.

Pakistani prime minister had sought answers from Iran and demanded a joint action against terrorists.

More details of the brutal killings surfaced on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the outskirts of Mehrestan district, where gunmen stormed an auto workshop in the remote village of Hezaabad Paeen. According to local sources, the attackers tied up the Pakistani laborers before shooting them at close range. The victims—identified as Dilshad, his son Naeem, Jafar, Danish, Nasir, and others—had been living in Iran for years, working as mechanics to support their families back home.

Initial reports suggest the involvement of an anti-Pakistan militant group, though the identities of the attackers have yet to be confirmed. Iranian security forces have launched an investigation and are coordinating with Pakistani authorities.

Delay in returning bodies causes anguish

The Pakistani Foreign Office has confirmed that the return of the bodies could take between eight to ten days due to the remoteness of the area and the completion of legal and forensic procedures. Iranian diplomatic sources stated that efforts are underway, but logistical and investigative formalities are causing delays.

“The location is extremely remote, and several legal steps need to be completed before the bodies can be handed over,” one diplomatic source explained. The Pakistani embassy in Tehran remains in constant contact with Iranian officials, focusing on expediting the process.

Families devastated: “We were preparing for his arrival, not his funeral”

In Ahmedpur Sharqia, the home of one of the victims, the atmosphere is heavy with grief. The mother of slain worker Jamshed, speaking through tears, said, “He was coming home after a year and a half. We were preparing for his arrival. Instead, we are waiting for his dead body. The killers have orphaned his small children.”

Another relative of the deceased Naeem, who was killed alongside his father, Dilshad, said, “They left for Iran to earn a living, to give us a better life. Now we just want their bodies so we can lay them to rest with dignity.”

The delay in bringing the bodies home has compounded the suffering of the families, many of whom are still struggling to believe the news. “Every hour feels like a year. At least bring our loved ones back,” one family member pleaded.

PM demands justice, Foreign Office monitoring situation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the killings in strong terms, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and demanding swift justice from the Iranian government. He has directed the Foreign Office to stay in close contact with the bereaved families and ensure the safe return of the bodies.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said a formal statement will be issued once further details are available, adding, “We are fully engaged with Iranian authorities to ensure timely repatriation and justice.”

Iranian embassy issues condemnation

The Iranian embassy in Islamabad has strongly condemned the killings, calling the incident an act of terrorism aimed at undermining Pakistan-Iran relations. “Such acts will not derail our joint commitment to combat terrorism,” the statement read, confirming Iranian cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

As the wait for the return of the deceased continues, the incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Pakistani workers abroad—especially in conflict-prone regions—and the need for stronger bilateral mechanisms to ensure their protection.