KABUL (SW) – Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has rejected reports about the mass shooting of dozens of undocumented Afghan migrants at the Saravan border.
In a post on his X account on Wednesday, October 16, Qomi stated: “based on direct inquiries from credible sources, till now, it has been determined that reports regarding the deaths of dozens of undocumented migrants at the Saravan border are not true.”
He reiterated that it is the legitimate right of countries to take “legal action against the entry of unauthorized individuals”, and that border security forces are tasked with preventing illegal crossings.
Qomi added, “Managing border crossings is a mutual responsibility, and neighbouring countries must take measures to prevent the illegal passage of suspicious individuals and unauthorized movements of their citizens, adhering to their international obligations.”
He also asserted Iran’s commitment to returning unauthorized asylum seekers and addressing illegal entries across all border points, saying: “However, this will be done in a lawful, responsible manner, based on our longstanding policy of good neighbourliness, Islamic compassion, and commitment to international treaties.”
This statement comes in response to reports from various media outlets claiming that dozens of Afghan migrants were shot by Iranian border guards at the Iran-Pakistan border.
Reports indicate that this incident occurred at the Kalgan border in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, involving approximately 300 Afghan migrants, of whom around 50 to 60 are believed to have survived.
The media outlet “Haalvsh,” which covers news in Sistan and Baluchestan, reported that Iranian military forces ambushed a group of Afghan migrants attempting to enter Iran on the evening of Sunday. According to their report, dozens of Afghan migrants were either killed or injured in the shooting.
Previously, Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated on X that various agencies and diplomatic missions of the Islamic Emirate are investigating this incident. He noted that, since the event occurred outside the country, information has yet to be confirmed.
“As rumors about the deaths and injuries of Afghan citizens at the Iran-Pakistan border circulate in the media, different agencies and diplomatic missions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan are currently investigating the matter. As it occurred outside the country, the information remains unverified,” Fetrat said.
He added that a decision will be made regarding the issue once more clarity is obtained.
Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, has also said on X: “I’m seriously concerned about reports of injuries & deaths of Afghans in Iran’s Saravan border area and I call for authorities to investigate transparently.”
“Clarity is urgently needed. These reports don’t stand in isolation. More dignity & safety is needed for Afghans worldwide,” Bennett wrote.
