ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan had sought Singapore’s assistance in ensuring the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian nationals aboard vessels seized by the United States near Singaporean waters.
In a statement shared on X, Dar said he had spoken with Vivian Balakrishnan regarding the matter and requested cooperation in facilitating the safe return of those on board the vessels.
He added that he had also held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as both countries remain in close coordination over the issue.
Dar said Pakistan was prepared to assist in the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran through Pakistani territory if required.
He appreciated Singapore’s cooperation and stated that Pakistan’s Foreign Office and other relevant authorities were working closely with US officials and international partners to ensure the safety and early return of Pakistani citizens.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Singaporean foreign minister appreciated Islamabad’s efforts in promoting regional peace and stability, particularly through facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
The FO said both sides also discussed maritime security issues and recent incidents in international waters, agreeing to maintain close coordination between relevant authorities.
The two leaders additionally reviewed bilateral relations and emphasised the importance of continued high-level engagement.
The development follows Pakistan’s recent facilitation of the return of crew members from a US-seized Iranian-linked vessel, with at least 15 sailors reportedly reaching Iran earlier this week.
The Foreign Office described the transfer as part of ongoing confidence-building measures.
The vessel, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was intercepted by US forces on April 19 near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.
At the time, US Central Command stated that the crew failed to comply with repeated warnings issued over several hours and alleged that the Iranian-flagged vessel had violated the US maritime blockade.
In the phone call with DPM Dar on Thursday, Iran’s Araghchi had thanked Pakistan for “facilitating the repatriation of Iranian nationals from the seized vessels and appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and humanitarian support in this regard”.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route near Iran’s coastline, has faced severe disruption since escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.
