Pakistan repatriates 11 nationals, 20 Iranians from US-seized vessels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday it had secured the return of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian citizens who had been on board vessels seized by the United States in international waters.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said all 31 individuals were in good health and had travelled to Bangkok from Singapore before boarding a flight to Islamabad late on 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," he added.

Dar shared the update on X and thanked the governments of Singapore, Thailand and the United States for helping complete the repatriation. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and gave particular thanks to Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan for his support during the process.

The development marks another humanitarian effort by Islamabad linked to the wider tensions involving Iran and the United States. Pakistan has in recent weeks increased diplomatic engagement with regional and international capitals amid concerns that maritime confrontations between Washington and Tehran could further unsettle trade routes and energy supplies in the region.

Earlier evacuation effort

Earlier this month, Pakistan also facilitated the evacuation and repatriation of 22 Iranian crew members who had been aboard the Iranian container vessel MV Touska after it was seized by US forces in the Gulf of Oman.

Pakistani officials had described that earlier step as a confidence-building measure between Washington and Tehran. The Foreign Office had said the Iranian crew members were flown to Pakistan and then handed over to Iranian authorities, while the vessel itself was to be brought into Pakistani territorial waters for repairs before being returned to its owners.

Officials said the repeated evacuation and humanitarian arrangements reflected Islamabad's effort to present itself as a credible intermediary at a time of heightened instability in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Broader diplomatic context

Pakistan hosted direct talks between Iran and the United States last month, although those discussions did not produce a breakthrough. Pakistan later came close on two occasions to hosting a second round, but mistrust between the two sides prevented the meeting from taking place.

Pakistan nevertheless persuaded President Trump to extend the ceasefire indefinitely so that diplomatic efforts could continue. Iran and the United States have exchanged several proposals through Pakistan, but those contacts have not yet ended the deadlock.

The latest repatriation comes as Pakistan continues to combine consular assistance for its own citizens with facilitation for foreign nationals affected by the ongoing tensions.