QUETTA: A tragic incident unfolded late Tuesday night as Iranian forces opened fire along the border in Washuk district of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of four Pakistani nationals and injuries to two others.
The firing incident occurred in the Judar-Bacharai border area, leaving local officials and residents in shock and disbelief. According to a senior official from the Mashkel administration, the Iranian forces crossed into Pakistani territory and initiated the gunfire.
“We have received four bodies and two injured individuals,” stated Dr. Ashraf at the Mashkel Rural Health Centre, confirming the toll of the unfortunate event.
Initial reports suggest that the victims were engaged in the transportation of Iranian smuggled oil, a trade that often sees clandestine activities along the porous border. “The Pakistani nationals killed and injured were involved in the supply of Iranian smuggled oil,” revealed an official familiar with the matter.
However, amidst conflicting narratives, one of the injured individuals, identified as Akhtar, provided a different account of the incident. Akhtar claimed that they were merely waiting for an oil consignment when the Iranian forces abruptly opened fire. Shockingly, Akhtar alleged that the gunfire resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including four Iranians who were reportedly taken away by the Iranian forces.
The incident has sparked concerns among local authorities and residents, highlighting the delicate nature of border relations between Pakistan and Iran. Balochistan, a province marked by rugged terrain and porous borders, often witnesses such incidents that underscore the challenges faced by both countries in maintaining border security.
As investigations into the incident commence, calls for dialogue and cooperation between the two neighboring nations echo louder, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution and strengthened border management mechanisms to prevent such tragic events in the future.