India, June 16 -- Pakistan has closed all its border crossings with Iran in Balochistan for an indefinite period amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, provincial officials said on Monday.

Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan province, which borders Iran, told news agency AFP, "Border facilities in all five districts, Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar, have been suspended." Follow Iran Israel war live updates

The development comes as Islamabad aims to protect its public against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and the possibility of instability in the wider region.

Major crucial points in Gwadar and Panjgur districts, including the Gabd-Kalato and other routes, are affecte...