TEHRAN: Tehran on Wednesday issued a warning to Islamabad after reports emerged that an Iranian soldier abducted and taken across the border into Pakistan by extremists had been executed.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed “grave concern” about the fate of Jamshid Danayifar, who was kidnapped along with four other border guards on February 6 by rebel group Jaish-ul Adl.

“We did all we could to secure their release,” Zarif told state television after a Cabinet meeting.

“But it is disappointing that the Pakistani government has failed to secure its borders, and allows terrorists to operate on its soil.”

Zarif’s remarks came after his ministry summoned Pakistani ambassador Nour Mohammad Jadmani, demanding “swift and serious action” to secure the release of the soldiers, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli meanwhile warned — without elaborating — that Iran “reserves the right to utilize all its ability in its border areas.”

Jaish-ul Adl said on its website on Sunday that Danayifar had been killed, warning of further executions should Tehran refuse to “release Sunni prisoners.”

Iran’s Interior Ministry says it is awaiting Islamabad’s official position amid media reports that local Pakistani authorities have confirmed the group’s claim.