Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefs members of the diplomatic corps at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq” on Tuesday. Photo: X/ FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan had successfully repatriated 11 Pakistani nationals alongside 20 Iranian nationals who were aboard a vessel seized by the United States in the high seas.
“I am pleased to share that we have been successful in repatriating 11 Pakistani nationals, alongside 20 nationals from our brotherly country, Iran, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States,” Dar said in a post on X.
He said all the individuals were in good health and high spirits, adding that the welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress, remained the government’s highest priority.
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, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States.
All individuals are in…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 15, 2026
The foreign minister said all the individuals, including the Pakistanis and Iranians aboard, had safely reached Singapore.
“All individuals have reached Bangkok from Singapore and already boarded the flight scheduled to reach Islamabad later tonight,” he said.
Dar added that after arriving in Islamabad, the Iranian nationals would be facilitated in returning to their homeland.
The deputy prime minister appreciated the efforts of his Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, and thanked the prime minister and government of Singapore for their continued support and engagement throughout the process.
He also thanked FM Abbas Araghchi for reposing trust in Pakistan for the repatriation of the Iranian nationals.
Dar further expressed gratitude to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for close coordination in facilitating the smooth return of the 31 Pakistani and Iranian nationals.
The deputy prime minister also acknowledged the efforts of his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, for facilitating the transit of the individuals through Bangkok at Pakistan’s request.
“My heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and Pakistan’s Missions in Singapore and Thailand for their timely coordination and dedicated efforts, ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful completion of the repatriation process,” he concluded.
