Eight Pakistani nationals have died in shock in Iran's border province of Sistan-Baluchestan, sending Islamabad even more into dismay while further heightening the neighbors' already shaky security relationship, in addition to the diverging perspectives of danger at the regional level.
On the weekend, unknown assailants struck a workshop in Mehrestan county—around 230km (142 miles) from Pakistan—and killed the Pakistani migrant laborers. The strike was carried out in the restless border region facing Pakistan's south-western province of Balochistan.
Consequently, Pakistani authorities have called on Iran to order an overall inquiry into the assault. The request comes amid increasing concerns in Islamabad regarding cross-border fighting and the safety of Pakistani citizens working in Iran.
Security analysts say the tragedy underlines historical tensions along the joint border and the complexities involved in ascertaining threats along an area infested with militancy, trafficking, and insurgency.