At least 20 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a mosque in Zahedan two days ago.—
At least 20 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a mosque in Zahedan two days ago.—Photo by AP
QUETTA Trade activities between Iran and Pakistan have been suspended as the former has closed the 'zero-point' in its border town of Taftan because of a suicide attack in Zahedan.

At least 20 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a mosque in Zahedan two days ago. Banned outfit Jundallah claimed responsibility of the attack.

According to sources, Iranian border authorities have informed Pakistani officials of their decision to close the border crossing.

“Yes, Iran has closed the zero-point, suspending all trade activities,” Tufail Baloch, a senior official of the Chagai district administration, said.


Local traders are facing serious problems because most of the edible items come from across the border through the zero-point. “If the border is not opened soon there will be a shortage of food and other items in Pakistan's border areas,” officials said.

Opinion

Editorial

Removing subsidies
Updated 09 May, 2026

Removing subsidies

The government no longer has the budgetary space to continue carrying hundreds of billions of rupees in untargeted subsidies while the power sector itself remains trapped in circular debt, inefficiencies, theft and under-recovery.
Scarred at home
09 May, 2026

Scarred at home

WHEN homes turn violent towards children, the psychosocial damage is lifelong. In Pakistan, parental violence is...
Zionist zealotry
09 May, 2026

Zionist zealotry

BOTH the Israeli military and far-right citizens of the Zionist state have been involved in appalling hate crimes...
Shifting climate tone
Updated 08 May, 2026

Shifting climate tone

Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital.
Honour and impunity
08 May, 2026

Honour and impunity

THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings...
No real change
08 May, 2026

No real change

THE Indian sports ministry’s move to allow Pakistani players and teams to participate in multilateral events ...