title:Pakistan Heightens Border Security Amid Iran Protests Crisis
ISLAMABAD: Violent protests sweeping across Iran, triggered by acatastrophic economic downturn and a dramatic plunge in the nationalcurrency, have prompted Pakistani authorities to intensify securitymeasures along the shared 909-kilometer border, particularly in thesouthwestern province of Balochistan. The unrest, which began in lateDecember 2025 over soaring inflation and food prices, has evolved intowidespread anti-government demonstrations, marking one of the most severechallenges to Iran’s clerical establishment since the 1979 IslamicRevolution. With reports of thousands of deaths in the crackdown andthreats of external intervention, officials in Pakistan fear potentialinstability spilling over into border districts, where ethnic and tribalties with Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province add to the complexity.
The Iranian rial has depreciated sharply, falling from around 700,000 tothe US dollar in early 2025 to over 1.4 million by early January 2026,fueling annual inflation rates nearing 40 percent and a staggering 72percent rise in food costs. What started as localized strikes by merchantsin Tehran’s Grand Bazaar quickly spread nationwide, encompassing 31provinces and drawing in diverse groups including students and workers.Rights organizations have documented a brutal response from securityforces, with death toll estimates ranging from hundreds to over 2,000protesters, alongside widespread arrests exceeding 16,000 and a near-totalinternet blackout that has hampered communication and exacerbated economicwoes.
In Balochistan, top security officials have placed border areas underintense surveillance to prevent any spillover effects from the Iraniancrisis. Hamza Shafqat, Additional Chief Secretary of Balochistan’s InteriorDepartment, acknowledged the formidable challenge, stating that the borderis not fully secure and guarding every inch remains extremely difficult.The province shares deep ethnic, linguistic, and tribal connections withadjacent Iranian regions, raising apprehensions that unrest could emboldenlocal militant networks or trigger refugee movements, further complicatingan already fragile security environment.
Pakistani authorities have advised citizens traveling near the border tocarry essential documents and maintain vigilance, while security forcesremain on constant high alert. The situation underscores the vulnerabilityof the porous frontier, where historical cross-border issues such assmuggling and militancy persist. Any escalation in Iran could straincoordination efforts, potentially creating safe havens for insurgents anddisrupting ongoing counterterrorism initiatives in the region.
Balochistan has long grappled with its own insurgency challenges, withmilitant groups conducting numerous attacks in recent years. Althoughofficial data indicate improvements through extensive operations, theprovince recorded significant violence in preceding periods, includinghundreds of incidents attributed to separatist elements. In 2025,combat-related incidents surged, contributing to a broader rise interrorism fatalities across Pakistan, highlighting the need for sustainedvigilance amid external pressures.
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To mitigate risks, the provincial government has occasionally suspendedmobile internet in high-risk zones for brief durations, a measure aimed atdisrupting militant communications without unduly affecting civilian life.These targeted restrictions, according to officials, have proven effectivein preventing potential attacks and saving lives by limiting coordinationamong hostile elements. Despite such steps, communication channels forordinary citizens remain largely operational, balancing securityimperatives with public needs.
The Iranian protests have also drawn international attention, with USstatements suggesting possible support for demonstrators and raising fearsof military involvement, which could further destabilize the region.Pakistani diplomats have emphasized that stability in Iran serves nationalinterests, advocating for peaceful resolution while closely monitoringdevelopments. The interplay of economic collapse, regime crackdown, andgeopolitical tensions underscores the broader implications for neighboringstates like Pakistan.
The 909-kilometer Iran-Pakistan border, stretching through arid andmountainous terrain, has historically posed enforcement difficulties,making complete sealing impractical. Enhanced patrols andintelligence-sharing represent key strategies to counter potential threats,yet officials stress that long-term stability depends on addressing rootcauses on both sides. As the Iranian situation evolves, Pakistan’s focusremains on safeguarding its borders while preventing any adverse domesticrepercussions.
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