Fact Check: Balochistan Government Spokesman Shahid Rind's Statement on Border Closures
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed that all border crossings between Pakistan and Iran have been closed for trade and pedestrian movement. This closure was initiated following a similar action by Iran amid escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict involving Israel. Rind stated, "All border crossings between the two countries have been closed for trade and pedestrian movement after Iran initiated the closure" (source-1, source-2). The closure affects key crossings such as the Taftan border in Chaghi and the Gabd-Rimdan border in Gwadar, which are vital for trade and local economies in Balochistan (source-3).
Analysis
The claim made by Shahid Rind is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. Both the Anadolu Agency and TRT Global reported that the Balochistan government officially closed all border crossings with Iran due to security concerns stemming from the regional conflict (source-1, source-2). The Express Tribune also confirmed that the closures were implemented as a precautionary measure to safeguard public safety (source-3).
While Rind mentioned that the crossings would remain open for Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran, the overall movement for new entries into Iran is suspended until further notice (source-4). This aligns with reports from other outlets indicating that the closures are indefinite and aimed at preventing potential instability due to the ongoing conflict (source-5, source-6).
The sources used in this analysis are credible news organizations with established reputations for reporting on geopolitical issues, thus providing a reliable foundation for the claims made by Rind.
Conclusion
The claim that Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind stated that all border crossings between Pakistan and Iran have been closed for trade and pedestrian movement following Iran's initiation of the closure is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, confirming the closure's implementation as a response to regional tensions.
Sources
- Pakistan closes air, land routes with Iran amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions
- TRT Global - Pakistan shuts off air, land routes with Iran amid escalating tensions
- Iran border crossings in Balochistan sealed - The Express Tribune
- Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at all Iran border - Arab News
- Several Iran border crossings in Balochistan closed - The News
- Pakistan shut borders with Iran amid rising Iran-Israel tensions - The Star
- Iran border crossings in Balochistan closed 'indefinitely': district administration - Dawn
- Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at key Iran border - Arab News