Pakistan embassy confirms death of two Pakistanis near Iran–Turkey border

The Pakistan Embassy in Iran on Monday confirmed the tragic death of two Pakistanis near the Iran–Turkey border, describing the incident as a suspected case of human smuggling that turned into a humanitarian disaster.

Pakistani Ambassador to Iran, Mudassar Tipu, shared details of the incident through a message on the social networking website X. He said that as soon as the embassy received information about the case, it began collecting details. One of the deceased was identified as Armanullah, whose body was recovered from the mountainous area of Khoi, near the Iran–Turkey border.

According to Ambassador Tipu, Armanullah passed away due to severe cold and heavy snowfall. His body is currently being preserved at a local hospital. He added that the embassy has contacted the family of the deceased and arrangements are under way to send the body to Pakistan as soon as possible. He expressed deep sorrow and pain over the loss and urged Pakistanis to avoid falling prey to human smugglers and their fraudulent and dangerous activities.

The Pakistan Embassy also confirmed that another young Pakistani, Ehtesham, lost his life in the same region. Both youths were from Nowshera and had reportedly been attempting to travel to Europe. Sources said the two died due to extreme cold near the Iran–Turkey border.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani Embassy in Iran stated that the incident occurred far from Tehran, in an area that is still experiencing heavy snowfall. According to initial information, the deaths appear to have been caused by hunger, severe cold, and harsh weather conditions. The spokesperson added that it is feared the case involves human smuggling.

The embassy’s consular staff is actively working on the matter and completing the required documentation to repatriate the bodies. Due to the illegal nature of the travel, several formal procedures must be completed. The embassy is following up on the case daily and is making every effort to send the bodies back to Pakistan at the earliest possible time.

Ambassador Mudassar Tipu also thanked friends and members of the public who informed the embassy about the incident through social media, saying their timely information helped initiate immediate action.