Faced with military climbing between Israel and Iran, Pakistan announced the temporary closure of its five border posts with its Iranian neighbor. The authorities of the province of Balutchistan have confirmed the cessation of people’s movements, with the exception of the repatriation of Pakistani citizens, including Shiite students and pilgrims.
The movements of people “are suspended until further notice,” said Atta Ult Munim, an executive at the Chaghi terminal, “but trade continues”. Already on Saturday, 450 Pakistani pilgrims – Iran welcomes several holy places of Shiism – had already been repatriated, according to Islamabad.
This decision comes while Israel has been leading deadly strikes against Iran since Friday, killing more than 220 people. In response, Tehran launched missiles causing 24 people in Israel.
Pakistan, the only Muslim country with nuclear weapons, has expressed its support for the Iranian government while calling on the international community to focus on “Israeli nuclear threat”.
While some rumors evoke possible military support from Islamabad in Tehran, the Pakistani authorities insist on their strictly moral and diplomatic support.
The country, at the crossroads of major geopolitical rivalries, seeks to maintain the balance between its alliances with the United States, China, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
