As Israel and Iran exchange deadly strikes, Pakistan has sounded alarms over its own security, closing border crossings and condemning Israeli actions, while signaling its intent to mediate in hopes of avoiding regional spillover.

Islamabad’s Condemnation and Strategic Worries

Pakistan swiftly condemned Israel's attacks on Iranian soil, including assassinations of Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. Labeling the strikes as “blatant provocations,” the Foreign Ministry demanded immediate global action. “The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable,” read the June 13 statement.

With more than 220 reported deaths in Iran and over 1,000 injured, Israeli strikes have triggered a harsh Iranian retaliation, including the launch of hundreds of missiles into Israeli territory. These in turn have caused more than 20 deaths and significant infrastructure damage.

Amid escalating violence, Pakistan closed five crossings along its Balochistan border with Iran from June 15. More than 500 Pakistani pilgrims and students have since returned from Iran, according to local officials in Taftan.

Balochistan: A Fragile Frontier

Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan remains central to Islamabad’s security concerns. Historically volatile, the region has hosted insurgencies since 1947 and is home to armed Baloch separatist groups like the BLA and BLF. The porous Iran-Pakistan border raises fears that militants could cross back into Pakistani territory.

Abdul Basit, a research fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, stated, “There is a major concern within Pakistan that in case the war escalates, members of armed groups... might try and seek protection inside Pakistan.”

The border town of Taftan, where many returnees crossed, lies near strategic sites like the Reko Diq and Saindak mines and the Gwadar port — a linchpin in the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Diplomatic Moves and Global Balancing Act

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Parliament that Pakistan had engaged Iranian officials and was relaying Tehran’s willingness to de-escalate. “Iran’s foreign minister told me that if Israel does not carry out another attack, they are prepared to return to the negotiating table,” Dar said.

Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry echoed a broader call for international mediation: “We believe we are playing our role, but the world must also do its duty… We hope this is not repeated,” referencing the devastation of previous Middle Eastern wars.

While Pakistan has historically allied with the U.S., analysts like Umer Karim from the University of Birmingham believe Islamabad will be cautious in this case. “I doubt Pakistan has the capacity or the will to mediate... but it definitely wants it to wind down as soon as possible,” he said.

Sectarian and Strategic Dilemmas

Pakistan's 15 percent Shia population adds another layer to the strategic calculus. Security expert Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud warned that openly backing Israel could inflame sectarian tensions.

Moreover, Israel’s claimed air superiority over Tehran has set off alarm bells. “Pakistan is also averse to Israel achieving complete air superiority and control of Iranian airspace,” Karim added, warning it could shift the strategic balance on Pakistan’s western flank.