Islamabad (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Wednesday that Pakistan is facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including fishermen and seafarers rescued or detained in separate maritime incidents.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Dar said the group includes eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea after their vessel ran aground and 22 crew members from another ship intercepted by US authorities in the Indian Ocean.
He said both groups are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days before returning to Iran, adding that Pakistan is coordinating closely with Iranian, US, and UK authorities to ensure their safe and orderly repatriation.
Dar described the effort as part of Pakistan’s broader commitment to humanitarian cooperation and regional coordination, stating that Islamabad remains willing to provide assistance in facilitating the safe return of foreign nationals when required.
The development comes amid ongoing maritime enforcement actions in the region. The vessel carrying some of the Iranian crew members had previously been sanctioned by the United States over alleged involvement in Iranian oil transportation networks, according to shipping and tracking data.
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US authorities recently intercepted the ship in the Indian Ocean as part of broader efforts targeting sanctioned oil trade routes. The vessel, also known under multiple names, has been linked in public records to Iranian crude transport operations.
This is not the first instance of Pakistan acting as an intermediary in such cases. Earlier this year, Islamabad facilitated the return of Iranian crew members previously held following the seizure of another sanctioned vessel, describing the move as part of confidence-building measures between Washington and Tehran.
Officials say Pakistan’s role in such cases reflects its broader diplomatic positioning during heightened regional tensions, as it maintains engagement with both Western and Iranian authorities while supporting humanitarian and de-escalation efforts.
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The Foreign Office has not indicated whether further similar repatriation arrangements are being considered, but diplomatic sources suggest continued coordination is likely as maritime enforcement actions in the region remain active.
