ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has announced that Pakistan is facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals who are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days.
In a post on X, Dar said Pakistan was “pleased to facilitate the repatriation” of the individuals, which include 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, who were recently intercepted by US authorities.
He said both groups are expected to transit through Karachi before returning to Iran, adding that Islamabad is coordinating closely with Iranian, US, and UK authorities to ensure safe and orderly repatriation.
Pakistan has previously assisted in similar cases, including the return of more than a dozen Iranian sailors from vessels seized on the high seas, as well as the earlier repatriation of 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians through Singapore following maritime interdictions.
Dar said the process reflects Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and its willingness to facilitate transit arrangements involving detained or stranded maritime personnel. He added that Pakistan would continue to extend assistance in coordination with relevant international partners.
The development comes amid broader maritime tensions linked to enforcement actions at sea following failed negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, during which multiple vessels were reportedly seized and interdicted by US forces.
Officials said Pakistan’s role has been limited to transit facilitation and consular coordination, with Karachi serving as a temporary stopover point before onward return to Iran.