WANA (May 15) – Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, announced on Friday the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian nationals who were detained after their vessels were seized by the United States on the high seas.

 

The operation, which involved complex diplomatic maneuvering across five countries, culminated today as the crew members began the final leg of their journey home.

 

“Health and High Spirits”

In a detailed statement shared on the social media platform X, Minister Dar confirmed that the group has already cleared transit in Bangkok and is expected to land in Islamabad late tonight.

 

“Alhamdolillah, 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,” Dar stated. “All individuals are in good health and high spirits.”

 

The Minister emphasized that the “welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress,” remains the administration’s highest priority. He added that once the group arrives in the capital, the government will facilitate the swift return of the “Iranian brothers” to their homeland.

 

A Multilateral Diplomatic Success

The release was made possible through a coordinated effort between Islamabad, Washington, Tehran, Singapore, and Bangkok. Minister Dar extended specific gratitude to several high-ranking international officials for their “continued support and engagement”:

 

United States: Dar thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the “close coordination in facilitating the smooth return” of the 31 individuals.

 

Singapore: He expressed “sincere appreciation” to Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and the Singaporean government for their assistance during the group’s initial processing.

 

Iran: He thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for “reposing trust in Pakistan” to handle the repatriation of the Iranian crew.

 

Thailand: Acknowledgment was given to the Thai government for facilitating the group’s transit through Bangkok at Pakistan’s request.

 

The vessels were originally intercepted by U.S. forces in international waters, leading to a period of detention that required weeks of “timely coordination” between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior.