Pakistan has expressed sincere gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their cooperation and assistance in repatriation of mortal remains of eight Pakistani nationals, who tragically lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Mehrestan, Iran, to Pakistan.

‘The mortal remains of eight Pakistani nationals, who tragically lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Mehrestan, Iran, were repatriated to Pakistan on Wednesday night aboard a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) C-130 aircraft’, the Foreign Office said in a statement here on Friday.

It said Pakistan’s Consul in Zahidan accompanied the remains on the flight, ensuring all arrangements were carried out with dignity and care.

The Foreign Office’s statement said that upon arrival at Bahawalpur, the local administration took immediate custody of the remains and facilitated their prompt delivery to the grieving families.

It said all legal and medical formalities were completed efficiently to ensure a smooth and swift repatriation process. It said the operation involved transportation from Mehrestan to Zahidan and subsequently to Bahawalpur.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, along with his team, worked in close coordination with Iranian authorities and relevant Pakistani institutions to expedite the process, the statement added.

‘The Government of Pakistan expressed sincere gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their cooperation and assistance during this difficult time’, the statement said.

‘May the departed souls rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength and solace in this hour of grief’, the Foreign Office said.