Islamabad has successfully secured the repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranians who were aboard vessels seized by the United States near Singaporean waters, amid the ongoing US-Iran crisis. The group is expected to arrive in Islamabad later tonight.
Diplomatic Efforts Lead to Repatriation
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the development on Friday, stating that the repatriation was achieved through coordinated efforts with Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. The Pakistani and Iranian seafarers were aboard vessels seized by US authorities near Singaporean waters.
“I am pleased to share that we have been successful in the repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals, alongside 20 nationals of our brotherly country Iran, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States,” Dar said in a statement posted on X. “All individuals are in good health and high spirits,” he added, emphasizing that the welfare of Pakistanis abroad remains the government’s highest priority.
Coordination with International Partners
Dar noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had entrusted Pakistan with facilitating the return of the Iranian nationals. The operation involved coordination with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the governments of Singapore and Thailand. The group had reached Bangkok from Singapore and boarded a flight to Islamabad later in the night.
The repatriation effort underscores Pakistan’s role as a diplomatic intermediary between Washington and Tehran during the ongoing regional crisis. Pakistan has facilitated contacts and engagements between the two sides since the US and Israel launched military actions against Iran on February 28.
This development comes amid heightened tensions following weeks of confrontation linked to Iran’s decision to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Pakistani officials had earlier sought Singapore’s assistance after the seizure of the vessels.
