• Three crossings in Balochistan shut indefinitely; Taftan remains operational
• Dar says 450 pilgrims evacuated

QUETTA: Pakistan has closed border crossing points with Iran for an indefinite period following attacks by Israel across the Islamic Republic, according to official sources.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Pakistani students and pilgrims have been evacuated from Iran, government officials said on Sunday.

Pakistan and Iran share an approximately 905-km-long border with multiple crossing points.

An official order issued by the deputy commissioner on Sunday said the border crossing in Panjgur has been closed till further notice.

“There will be no pedestrian and vehicular movement at [the] Pak-Iran border for an indefinite period,” the official order said.

Officials in Gwadar also confirmed the closure of Gabd and Kalatuk border crossing points.

There will be no movement of visitors or goods at the crossings, an official in Gwadar said.

“The step to close the border with Iran was taken due to security risks and the volatile situation created due to the strikes by Israel,” officials said.

The Taftan border in Chagai district was still operational, with vehicles crossing the entry point from both sides.

“The Pak-Iran border at Taftan is open and fully operational on both sides,” a senior official told Dawn, adding that trade through the Taftan border is continuing.

Pilgrims, students return

In a post on X, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said 450 Pakistani pilgrims were evacuated from Iran on Saturday, Dawn.com reported.

He added the embassy in Iraq was also in contact with Pakistani pilgrims who are stranded due to the closure of airspace. “Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation.”

The minister noted the Crisis Management Unit at the Foreign Office is operational 24/7 and can be contacted at: +92 51-9207887 and cmu1@mofa.gov.pk

“Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals and zaireen (pilgrims),” Mr Dar added.

The Foreign Office has also advised all pilgrims from Pakistan to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq in view of the evolving security situation in the region.

Meanwhile, over 150 Pakistani students studying in educational institutions in Iran have left for Pakistan.

Officials said as many as 155 male and female students have left for Pakistan. They will reach Pakistan through the Taftan border by Monday.

Dar, Turkish FM call

Pakistan and Turkiye have expressed concerns over the deteriorating regional situation and criticised Israel for its unjustified attacks on Iran.

In a telephone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday, Mr Dar expressed deep anguish over the conflict.

He also confirmed his participation in the forthcoming meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum’s ceremony, both scheduled to be held next week in Istanbul.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2025