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International Desk, June 16, 2025 :Pakistan has indefinitely closed its border with Iran due to escalating attacks and counter-attacks between Iran and Israel. Provincial authorities in Pakistan confirmed the closure on Monday, citing heightened regional tensions.
Kadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, told AFP that border activities in the districts of Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar have been suspended. Atta ul Munim, an official at the Chaghi border post, stated that entry into Iran has been halted until further notice. However, commercial activities remain unaffected, and Pakistani citizens in Iran can return if needed.
“We expect around 200 Pakistani students to return today,” Atta added. On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that 450 Pakistani pilgrims had been repatriated from Iran, with more to follow. Similar measures are being implemented for Pakistanis in Iraq, home to sacred Shia Muslim sites.
Pakistan, the world’s only Muslim-majority nuclear power, expressed solidarity with Iran against Israeli attacks on Friday. Both nations do not recognize Israel as a state. On Monday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif urged the world to be wary of Israel’s nuclear capabilities, accusing it of disregarding international nuclear regulations. Israel is widely regarded as the Middle East’s only nuclear-armed state, though it has not officially acknowledged its arsenal.
While some reports suggest Pakistan could support Tehran if the conflict escalates, Islamabad has emphasized that its support for Iran is limited to “moral and diplomatic solidarity.” Pakistan and Iran share a complex relationship, with over 900 kilometers of shared border. Pakistan treads cautiously due to U.S.-led sanctions on Iran while maintaining ties with Saudi Arabia, which often provides financial aid to Pakistan’s struggling economy.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran currently stands at approximately $3 billion annually, with both countries aiming to increase it to $10 billion in the coming years.
AI/MR
