Iranian border guards have shot dead six Pakistani nationals after believing them as smugglers.

The incident took place near the Zaran border Thursday. It was not immediately clear on whose territory it happened.

The guards opened indiscriminate fire at them from different directions without giving any warning, Xinhua reported. They were carrying cattle in a vehicle.

Six died on the spot, while four others were injured. The bodies and the injured were shifted to the border town of Chah Bahar.