The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has raised significant concerns in Pakistan, primarily due to its complex ties with Tehran and the potential fallout on its western flank. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as “violations of Iran’s territorial sovereignty” and “blatant provocations”. The ministry emphasized the international community’s responsibility to uphold international law and hold the aggressor accountable.
The conflict has resulted in a growing humanitarian toll, with over 220 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries in Iran, and over 20 deaths and extensive property damage in Israel. In response to the escalating violence, Pakistan has closed five border crossings in Balochistan and facilitated the return of over 500 Pakistani nationals, mainly pilgrims and students, from Iran.
Pakistan’s greatest concern is the potential fallout in Balochistan, a resource-rich but restive province that has experienced at least five rebellion movements since 1947. The province hosts the strategic Gwadar port, central to the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan fears that the conflict could lead to an influx of refugees and armed groups, particularly the Balochistan Liberation Army, which has been waging a rebellion in Pakistan to seek independence.
Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, has emphasized the country’s willingness to play a diplomatic role in brokering an end to the conflict. However, experts believe that Pakistan will be cautious about enmeshing itself too deeply in the conflict, given its efforts to rebuild bridges with the US, Israel’s closest ally. Additionally, Pakistan is averse to Israel achieving complete air superiority and control of Iranian airspace, which would upend the current security status quo on Pakistan’s western flank.
Quotes from Pakistani Officials
- “The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions,” – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- “Iran’s foreign minister [Abbas Araghchi] told me that if Israel does not carry out another attack, they are prepared to return to the negotiating table,” – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar
- “We believe we are playing our role, but the world must also do its duty. Syria, Libya, Iraq – wars devastated them. It even led to the rise of ISIS [ISIL]. We hope this is not repeated,” – Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry