Pakistan has temporarily closed all its border crossings with neighboring Iran for an indefinite period, provincial officials announced on Monday, amid escalating tensions and ongoing exchanges of strikes between Israel and Iran.
Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan province which shares a border with Iran confirmed that border facilities in five districts Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar have been shut down. “Border facilities in all five districts have been suspended,” he told AFP.
Atta ul Munim, an official overseeing one of the crossings in Chaghi district, stated that crossings into Iran “have been suspended until further notice.” However, he clarified that there is “no ban on trade activities,” and Pakistani citizens needing to return from Iran can still cross, including around 200 students expected to arrive today.
On Sunday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the evacuation of 450 Pakistani pilgrims from Iran, with more expected to follow, along with evacuations from Iraq, both of which host significant Shiite Muslim holy sites.
Pakistan, the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons, expressed solidarity with Iran on Friday, condemning Israel’s strikes, which both Islamabad and Tehran do not officially recognize. Pakistani officials have reiterated that Islamabad’s stance remains one of “moral and diplomatic solidarity,” not support for any escalation.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned on Monday that the world should be “wary and apprehensive” of Israel’s “nuclear prowess,” accusing the country of lacking “any international nuclear discipline.” Israel remains the Middle East’s only undeclared nuclear power.
While some media reports suggest Pakistan might support Iran if the conflict widens, Islamabad has maintained that its actions are limited to diplomatic solidarity. The country shares a long, complex relationship with Iran, balancing concerns over US sanctions and its economic ties with Riyadh, which has repeatedly helped Pakistan manage its debts.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran is currently around $3 billion, with officials aiming to increase it to $10 billion in the coming years.
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