- 8 Iranian fishermen rescued by British vessel will be brought back.
- 22 crew members from vessel banned by US to be repatriated.
- Pakistan coordinating with Iran, US, UK for safe return: Ishaq Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals who are expected to transit through Karachi in “the coming days”.
“Pakistan is happy to facilitate the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals,” DPM Dar wrote on X.
“This includes 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valor after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, which was recently banned by US authorities. Both groups are expected to sail through Karachi in the coming days.”
Islamabad has already facilitated the repatriation of over a dozen Iranian sailors who were on ships seized on the high seas by the US last month.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Pakistan is working in close coordination with Iranian, US and UK authorities to ensure safe transit and early return of the nationals to their homeland.
He added that Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and will continue to extend all possible assistance in such cases.
The DPM said both groups are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days before returning to Iran.
It should be noted here that on May 15, DPM Dar announced that the government had successfully repatriated 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians through Singapore who were on board ships seized by the US.
US authorities had seized several vessels in May after its navy enforced a blockade of Iranian ports, following failed talks aimed at ending the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Deputy Prime Minister had expressed gratitude to the US and Singapore governments for their support and commitment “throughout the process”, which was conducted at the request of Pakistan.
Dar had also appreciated the government of Thailand for facilitating transit through Bangkok at Pakistan’s request.
