KARACHI (Pakistan), June 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Pakistan has closed its air and land routes with neighbouring Iran amid the latter's escalating conflict with Israel, leaving hundreds stranded on both sides of the border, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) quoted officials on Monday.
The closure, effective since Sunday, is expected to cause food and fuel shortages in parts of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, which relies heavily on supplies and smuggled oil from Iran, local residents fear.
Multiple land routes link Pakistan with Iran, with the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district among the most prominent.
Balochistan government spokesman, Shahid Rind, told AA that the closure followed a similar move by Iran.
"All border crossings between the two countries have been closed for trade and pedestrian movement after Iran initiated the closure," he said.
However, he added that Pakistanis stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, although new entries into Iran are barred until further notice.
The first group of stranded citizens, comprising mainly pilgrims and students, was expected to return via the Taftan crossing later on Monday.
Meanwhile, several airlines operating flights from Pakistan to Iran and Iraq have suspended operations due to rising regional tensions, according to a Civil Aviation Authority spokesman.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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