Dozens of Pakistani stranded students enrolled in religious schools in Iran remain stuck at the Gabd border crossing, approximately 70km from Gwadar, due to its prolonged closure. The border has been shut since the onset of the Iran-Israel conflict, leaving these students, many of whom hold valid Iranian travel documents, unable to return to their studies. Some had come back to Pakistan during Muharram, while others fled the conflict a month ago.
Details of Stranded Students
Immigration officials at the Gabd crossing, managed by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), report that no new directives have been issued to reopen the border. This has left over 50 students, some accompanied by families, stranded, with many staying in nearby hotels or lodgings. Others awaiting travel are reportedly held up in Karachi and other cities, uncertain about when they can cross.
The closure stems from security concerns following regional tensions, with Pakistan halting movement at multiple border points, including Gabd and Kalatuk, while keeping the Taftan crossing operational. The situation has drawn attention on social media platforms like X, where users have expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication from authorities. Some posts highlight the students’ plight, noting their valid documentation and the absence of immediate plans to resume border operations.
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Tallal Chaudhry, has acknowledged the issue, stating that efforts are underway to assist the stranded students, estimated at 30 to 40 individuals. The government is also working on a broader plan to regulate pilgrimage travel to Iran and Iraq, aiming to introduce a structured system by August 31. Discussions with Iranian and Iraqi authorities are ongoing to streamline travel processes, particularly for religious pilgrims, to prevent such disruptions in the future.
What’s Next
For now, the students and their families remain in limbo, awaiting official clearance to cross the border and resume their studies. The situation underscores the broader challenges of cross-border movement amid regional instability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 30th, 2025
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