The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel is now impacting Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where authorities have ordered the indefinite closure of all border crossings with Iran in Turbat, Panjgur, and Gwadar.
The decision, announced on Sunday by district administrations across the province, comes amid rising regional tensions and follows Israel’s air offensive on Iran, which targeted nuclear sites and killed senior Iranian officials. Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes.
Deputy commissioners of Gwadar, Panjgur, and Turbat issued separate statements confirming the closure of Iranian border routes and travel corridors as a precautionary measure.
The Gwadar DC office stated:
“In light of instructions from the Balochistan government, the Gabd-Kalato 250 border corridor has been closed until further notice. The public is urged to cooperate and contact the administration for any assistance.”
Panjgur authorities confirmed that all pedestrian crossings and fuel transport from Iran had also been suspended.
“These measures are necessary due to the uncertain security situation in Iran and rising threats from ongoing international conflict,” said the Panjgur DC. “People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel.”
Evacuation of Pakistani Nationals Underway
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims (zaireen) had been evacuated from Iran, with further evacuations planned from both Iran and Iraq.
“We’re ensuring the safe return of all Pakistani nationals. A batch of 154 students has also been prepared for evacuation,” he shared on social media platform X.
Dar added that Pakistan’s embassy in Iraq is in contact with pilgrims stranded due to airspace closures, and arrangements are being made for their safety and return.
The Foreign Office’s Crisis Management Unit remains operational 24/7 and can be reached at:
- Phone: +92 51-9207887
- Email: cmu1@mofa.gov.pk
The FO has also advised all Pakistani citizens, particularly pilgrims, to reconsider travel to Iran and Iraq in light of the worsening security environment.
Diplomatic Coordination and Regional Engagement
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudasir Tipu, is currently in Islamabad for official meetings. The FO confirmed that the embassy in Tehran, under the foreign minister’s instructions, is working actively to support Pakistani nationals.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday. Both expressed grave concern over Israel’s recent strikes on Iran and the broader implications for regional stability.
Dar confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) ceremony in Istanbul next week. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reaffirm Pakistan’s presence at the events scheduled for June 21–22.
