ISLAMABAD / QUETTA: The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has begun to impact Pakistan’s Balochistan province, as the provincial government on Sunday ordered the closure of all border crossings with Iran in Turbat, Panjgur, and Gwadar for an indefinite period.
According to the private newspaper report, the decision came following an Israeli airstrike on Iran that resulted in the deaths of several military commanders and nuclear scientists. Israel claims the attack was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
In response to the worsening regional situation, Deputy Commissioners across Balochistan issued orders to shut down travel corridors and border routes linked with Iran.
The Gwadar district administration said the Gabd-Kalato 250 border crossing has been sealed until further notice. “Public is requested to cooperate and reach out to district administration for any guidance,” a statement said.
Similarly, the Panjgur administration announced the closure of all routes to Iran, banning both foot travel and fuel transport. Authorities said the move was a precaution due to “uncertainty in Iran and rising international security threats.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims (zaireen) have been safely evacuated from Iran. More evacuations from both Iran and Iraq are planned in the coming days.
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Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated on social media platform X that arrangements are underway to safely evacuate Pakistani students from Iran. The first group of 154 students has already been moved.
He added that Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iraq due to airspace closures are being assisted. “Our embassy in Iraq is in touch with the pilgrims and working to ensure their safe stay and evacuation,” Dar said.
The Crisis Management Unit at the Foreign Office is fully operational and can be contacted at +92 51-9207887 or cmu1@mofa.gov.pk.
Dar assured that Pakistani embassies in the region are coordinating all necessary steps for the safety of nationals abroad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant authorities to make every effort for the safe return of Pakistani citizens. The Foreign Office has advised pilgrims to reconsider travel plans to Iran and Iraq due to the volatile situation.
The Pakistani ambassador to Iran, Mudasir Tipu, is currently in Islamabad for official meetings. However, the embassy continues to provide support to Pakistanis in Iran as per the foreign minister’s directions.
PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Solidarity with Iran
PM Shehbaz held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing Pakistan’s full support for the Iranian people.
He condemned the Israeli strikes as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. The Prime Minister stated that Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
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He also strongly criticised Israel’s ongoing military actions in Palestine, calling them “brutal genocide” and a threat to global peace.
PM Shehbaz urged the international community and the United Nations to take immediate action against Israeli aggression. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace in the region.
In response, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its support and called for greater unity among Islamic countries to deal with regional threats. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Dar, Turkish FM Discuss Regional Crisis
Foreign Minister Dar spoke with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. Both leaders expressed deep concern over Israel’s airstrikes and agreed to raise the issue at the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul next week.
Dar confirmed his participation in the OIC event as well as in the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) ceremony. PM Shehbaz had earlier informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Dar would represent Pakistan in the meetings. The Prime Minister also congratulated Erdogan on being honoured by the ICYF.
