Pakistan seeks Singapore’s help for repatriation of nationals, Iranians from US-seized vessels

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan had asked Singapore to assist in the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians who were aboard vessels seized by the United States.

In a post on X, Dar said the vessels were currently near Singaporean waters. He said he had spoken with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and sought the country’s support in facilitating the return of those on board.

"Pakistan also stands ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan," he added.

Dar said in the same post, adding that he had also spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and that Pakistan remained in close coordination on the matter. "We appreciate the cooperation and support being extended by Singapore. Pakistan, through its Foreign Office and relevant authorities, is closely coordinating with US authorities and others to ensure the safety, welfare, and earliest possible return of our nationals," he said.

The Foreign Office said on Thursday that during Dar’s phone call with Balakrishnan, the Singaporean foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and its role in promoting peace and stability in the region by facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued efforts for peace and development in the region and beyond. Both sides discussed maritime matters and recent incidents in international waters, and agreed that the relevant authorities of the two countries would remain in close coordination.

The Foreign Office added that the two ministers also reviewed bilateral ties, stressed the importance of high-level exchanges, and agreed to stay in contact.

Recent repatriation efforts

The development follows Pakistan’s facilitation of the return of crew members from a US-seized Iranian vessel earlier this week, with at least 15 sailors reaching Iran on Monday.

The Foreign Office had said the transfer of the crew members was part of confidence-building measures.

The vessel involved was boarded and seized by US forces on April 19. It was described as a small container ship belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines group, which has been subject to US sanctions. The ship was intercepted off Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.

At the time, US Central Command said the crew of the vessel had failed to respond to repeated warnings over a six-hour period.

"American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the US blockade," it said.

In his phone call with Dar on Thursday, Araghchi thanked Pakistan for facilitating the repatriation of Iranian nationals from the seized vessels and appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and humanitarian support in the matter.

Regional context

The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route off Iran’s coast, has been virtually blocked by Tehran since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. Some ships attempting to pass through the waterway have reported coming under fire, while Iran has also seized several other vessels.

Last month, the United States also imposed its own blockade on ships departing from Iranian ports.