Pakistan has suspended trade through the Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan crossings on its border with Iran, leaving freight trucks stranded on both sides, according to local business representatives.
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry said about 2,000 trucks were affected. Passenger traffic continued at Gabd-Rimdan, according to Iranian media.
Pakistani district officials described the closure as a temporary security measure intended to improve border management and counter smuggling and militant activity. Iran’s Foreign Ministry gave a different explanation, citing technical issues and precautionary measures affecting cross-border movement and exchanges.
The suspension comes amid security incidents on both sides of the border. Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province have both experienced attacks on security personnel. Analysts cautioned against assuming that each incident involved cross-border movement, while Iranian officials have called on Pakistan to prevent armed groups from operating near the frontier.
The closure may also complicate Pakistan’s diplomatic role. Islamabad has been involved in efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran, while US sanctions continue to affect trade with Iran.
Pakistan’s federal government had not issued a public explanation at the time of reporting. The differing accounts from Islamabad and Tehran leave questions about how long the restrictions will remain in place and when commercial traffic can resume.
