Pakistan's Security Concerns Rise Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict

In the wake of the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has raised alarms regarding its own security, navigating a complex diplomatic landscape that is influenced by historical tensions and regional dynamics. As military actions escalate, the Pakistani government has expressed concerns over potential fallout that may affect its territorial integrity and internal stability.

The Iranian-Israeli hostilities have heightened since June 2025, following Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and targeted assassinations of Iranian military leaders, leading to significant casualties on both sides. According to reports from the Iranian Health Ministry, over 220 individuals have died in Israel's attacks, with more than a thousand injured, prompting Iranian counterstrikes that have resulted in further fatalities and widespread damage in Israel.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's actions as violations of international law and called for the international community to intervene. "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," stated a ministry spokesperson on June 13, 2025.

Pakistan shares a 905 km border with Iran via the southwestern province of Balochistan, which has been a focal point of concern. Following the latest escalation, Pakistan closed five border crossings, a decision influenced by fears of increased violence spilling over into its territory and the potential for refugee influxes. Naeem Ahmed, assistant commissioner for the Taftan border, noted that around 500 Pakistani nationals, primarily students and pilgrims, have returned from Iran due to security fears.

Historically, Pakistan and Iran have accused each other of harboring militant groups responsible for cross-border violence. In January 2024, both nations engaged in missile exchanges, reflecting the fragile nature of their relationship. Abdul Basit, a research fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, highlighted concerns that armed groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) might exploit the situation to seek refuge in Pakistan, thereby exacerbating the already volatile situation in Balochistan.

Experts suggest that Pakistan's strategic interests compel it to play a mediating role in the ongoing conflict, especially as it seeks to stabilize its borders and maintain relations with both Iran and the United States. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated Pakistan's willingness to facilitate dialogue, stating that Iran is open to negotiations if Israel halts its military actions.

However, Umer Karim, a Middle East researcher at the University of Birmingham, cautioned against overextension, arguing that while Pakistan desires an end to hostilities, it may lack the capacity to mediate effectively without jeopardizing its own diplomatic pursuits, especially with the U.S.

Balochistan's significance cannot be understated, as it is rich in natural resources and hosts the strategically important Gwadar port, integral to the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Balochistan has been a hotbed of separatist movements, and the potential for these groups to exploit increasing instability poses significant risks for Pakistan’s internal security.

As the conflict progresses, analysts stress that Pakistan must balance its diplomatic engagements carefully to prevent further destabilization in a region already marked by historical tensions and modern geopolitical challenges. The outcome of the Iran-Israel conflict is likely to have far-reaching implications not just for the immediate countries involved, but also for Pakistan’s security and diplomatic landscape in the years to come.