Pakistan’s government declared strong support for Iran amid Israeli airstrikes over the weekend but closed all border crossings with its western neighbor on Monday. The closure applies to all five districts along the Iran border—Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar—according to officials in Baluchistan province.
While Pakistani leaders publicly vowed to “stand behind Iran,” border officials confirmed that crossings were suspended “until further notice.” Exceptions were made for hundreds of Pakistani nationals fleeing the region, including pilgrims and students returning from Iran and Iraq. Commerce between the two nations remains open despite the closures.
Foreign Minister Isaq Dar announced Sunday that 450 Pakistani pilgrims had already been evacuated from Iran, with more to follow. Two flights from Iraq brought back an additional 269 citizens. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a 24-hour crisis unit in Islamabad to coordinate the evacuation of remaining citizens.
Defense Minister Khwaja Asif addressed Pakistan’s position in Parliament, urging unity among Muslim nations in the face of Israeli military operations. He declared support for Iran on the international stage but stopped short of endorsing any military action.
Tensions rose further when Iranian IRGC commander Gen. Mohsen Rezaei claimed that Pakistan had pledged a nuclear strike on Israel if Israel used nuclear weapons against Iran. Asif flatly denied the claim, calling it false and emphasizing that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is strictly for national defense.
“Our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defense of our country,” Asif said, reaffirming Pakistan’s policy of restraint and rejecting any aggressive posture toward Israel.
The mixed messages—rhetorical support for Iran alongside restricted borders and nuclear denial—highlight Pakistan’s precarious balancing act. While publicly aligning with Muslim allies, Islamabad is working to avoid being drawn directly into a widening Middle Eastern conflict.
