Pakistan Secures Repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian Sailors From US-Seized Vessels
May 2026 | By Azad News
Pakistan has successfully facilitated the return of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian citizens who were aboard vessels seized by the United States in international waters.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that all 31 individuals were in good health and had safely reached Islamabad after travelling via Singapore and Bangkok.
According to Dar, the repatriation was carried out with the cooperation of multiple countries, including Singapore, Thailand, and the United States, along with coordination from Iranian officials.
He expressed gratitude to the governments involved and highlighted the role of diplomatic engagement in resolving the situation peacefully.
The operation is part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Gulf region and ensuring the safe return of nationals affected by maritime incidents.
Earlier this month, Pakistan had also assisted in the evacuation of Iranian crew members from another seized vessel, describing the move as a confidence-building measure between the involved countries.
Officials said Islamabad has increasingly played a mediating role amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, particularly concerning maritime security in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan has engaged in continuous diplomatic outreach with regional and global partners to help reduce tensions and maintain stability in vital international trade routes.
While previous rounds of talks between Iran and the United States have been facilitated by Pakistan, no major breakthrough has yet been achieved despite ongoing communication.
Officials say Islamabad continues to encourage dialogue between the two sides in an effort to prevent further escalation in the region.
Conclusion
The successful repatriation highlights Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in regional crisis management, particularly in facilitating humanitarian solutions amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
