Pakistan has closed all land and air routes with Iran amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
Officials said the closure started on Sunday. It has left many people stranded on both sides.
Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan shares a long border with Iran, involving significant mobility of locals across the border on a daily basis.
Many districts in Balochistan rely on food supplies and oil from Iran.
Locals fear that the closure could lead to food and fuel shortages.
There are multiple border crossings between Pakistan and Iran. The main ones are Taftan in Chaghi and Gabd-Rimdan in Gwadar.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said Iran began the closure. Pakistan then reportedly shut the border from its side.
Trade and pedestrian movement have been stopped. However, Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran are allowed to return.
No new entries into Iran are allowed for now.
The first group of Pakistanis, including pilgrims and students, is expected to return through Taftan.
Flights from Pakistan to Iran and Iraq have also been suspended.
The closure has impacted daily-wage workers and local trade. Many people’s livelihoods depend on movement across borders with Iran.
For instance, districts like Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Chaghi, Washuk, and Mashkail mostly depend on smuggled fuel from Iran.
Some areas are already reporting price increases. Locals warn that shortages may worsen if the closure continues.
A local official said some limited trade is still happening at Gabd-Rimdan.
In Quetta, residents complained about fuel shortages. They said the flow of Iranian oil through Makran and Chaghi has stopped.
Fuel stations selling smuggled Iranian fuel were closed by authorities last week.
Shahid Rind said there is no fuel shortage in Quetta. He said some people are spreading false news to lift the ban on smuggled fuel.
Pakistan and Iran share a 909-kilometer border. It connects Balochistan with Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
