Pakistan secures release of sailors from US-seized ships
Pakistan on Friday announced the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals along with 20 Iranian citizens who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States in international waters, in the latest sign of Islamabad’s growing diplomatic engagement linked to the ongoing Iran-US tensions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said all 31 individuals were in good health and had reached Bangkok from Singapore before boarding a flight to Islamabad late Friday night.
“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 wrote on X.
He thanked the governments of Singapore, Thailand and the United States for facilitating the repatriation process and also acknowledged the cooperation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Dar particularly appreciated Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan for extending support throughout the process.
The latest operation comes amid Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach aimed at reducing tensions in the Gulf region while protecting Pakistani nationals and facilitating humanitarian arrangements for affected foreign citizens.
Earlier this month, Pakistan had also facilitated the evacuation and repatriation of 22 Iranian crew members held aboard the Iranian container vessel MV Touska, which had been seized by US forces in the Gulf of Oman. Pakistani officials had described that move as a “confidence-building measure” between Washington and Tehran.
According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian crew members were flown to Pakistan before being handed over to Iranian authorities, while the vessel itself was to be brought to Pakistani territorial waters for repairs and eventual return to its owners.
Officials say the repeated humanitarian and evacuation efforts underscore Islamabad’s attempt to position itself as a credible intermediary at a time of heightened instability in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.
Pakistan has in recent weeks stepped up diplomatic contacts with regional and global capitals amid fears that escalating maritime confrontations between the United States and Iran could further destabilise regional trade routes and energy supplies.
Islamabad hosted the landmark direct talks between Iran and the United States last month, though the meeting could not lead a breakthrough.
Subsequently, Pakistan twice came close to hosting the second round but mistrust between the two sides prevented the meeting from happening.
Nevertheless, Pakistan managed to convince President Trump to extend the ceasefire indefinitely that allowed diplomatic process to continue.
Through Pakistan, Iran and the United States have exchanged several proposals but the flurry of messages has yet to break the stalemate.Read More
