Pakistan has indefinitely closed all border crossings with Iran, citing security concerns amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, now in its fifth day. The decision, announced by provincial authorities in Balochistan, affects key crossing points in Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar districts, including the critical Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan crossings, which facilitate cross-border trade and travel. The move follows Iran’s closure of its side of the border and comes as Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” and Iran’s “Operation True Promise 3” intensify, raising fears of regional instability.
According to Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan, “Border facilities in all five districts have been suspended until further notice due to the volatile situation created by Israel’s strikes.” While pedestrian and vehicular movement into Iran has been halted, limited trade activities continue, and Pakistani nationals, including an estimated 200 students, are being allowed to return from Iran. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the evacuation of 450 Pakistani pilgrims from Iran, with additional evacuations planned from Iran and Iraq, home to sacred Shiite sites.
The border closure threatens to disrupt local economies in Balochistan, where districts like Turbat, Gwadar, and Panjgur rely heavily on Iranian food supplies and smuggled oil. Residents, such as Basham Baloch from Gwadar, expressed concerns to Anadolu Agency about potential shortages, stating, “If the border remains closed for weeks, we could face serious oil and food shortages.” Balochistan’s government spokesman, Shahid Rind, downplayed immediate fuel scarcity claims, asserting that most petrol pumps in Quetta remain operational, but locals report rising prices and supply chain disruptions.
Pakistan’s decision reflects its delicate balancing act in the region. While expressing “moral and diplomatic solidarity” with Iran against Israeli strikes, Islamabad has denied claims by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander that Pakistan would support Tehran militarily, including with nuclear retaliation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified on X, “Pakistan has made no such commitment. Our nuclear capability is for the defence of our people, not for hegemonic policies.” Asif also criticized Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal, warning of its “catastrophic consequences.”
The closure impacts bilateral trade, valued at $3 billion annually, with ambitions to reach $10 billion. Iran supplies 100 megawatts of electricity to Balochistan’s border towns, and disruptions could exacerbate local challenges. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has activated a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit to assist nationals, urging pilgrims to reconsider travel to Iran and Iraq. As the Israel-Iran conflict rages, Pakistan’s border shutdown underscores its cautious stance, prioritizing citizen safety and regional stability while navigating complex ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia.
