Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the government of Balochistan on Sunday ordered the indefinite closure of all border crossings with Iran in Turbat, Panjgur, and Gwadar districts.
The move comes as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims have been safely evacuated from Iran, with more expected to be repatriated from both Iran and Iraq in the coming days.
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian territory on Friday, targeting senior military officials, nuclear sites, and scientific personnel. While Tel Aviv claims the strikes aim to halt Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons, Tehran maintains that its uranium enrichment efforts are solely for civilian purposes.
Dar, in a post on social media platform X, said the government is actively engaged in ensuring the safety and welfare of Pakistani nationals in the region.
He informed that arrangements have been made for the evacuation of Pakistani students from Iran, with 154 individuals forming the first group to return.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Mudasir Tipu, is currently in Islamabad for official consultations. The Foreign Office stated that the embassy in Tehran, under directives from the foreign minister, is actively facilitating Pakistani nationals.