Pakistan facilitates return of 30 Iranian nationals, says FM Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that Pakistan has facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals in coordination with international partners.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that Pakistan has facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals in coordination with international partners.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the foreign minister said the group includes Iranian citizens who were rescued and later assisted for safe return to their homeland.

According to him, eight Iranian fishermen were rescued at sea by a British vessel after their boat ran aground. In addition, 22 Iranian crew members were taken into custody from a vessel recently intercepted by US authorities.

Dar said both groups are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days as part of repatriation arrangements.

He added that Pakistan is working in close coordination with Iranian, US, and UK authorities to ensure the safe movement and early return of all individuals involved.

The foreign minister said Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and will continue to extend assistance in similar cases in the future.

He described the move as part of Pakistan’s broader policy of supporting regional humanitarian efforts and maintaining diplomatic coordination with partner countries.

Officials said the repatriation process is being managed through diplomatic channels to ensure smooth transit and safe handover to Iranian authorities.

In a separate development, Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

According to the Foreign Office, both sides discussed recent regional developments, including understandings reached between the United States and Iran.

They also exchanged views on the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding to be signed in Switzerland.

The two ministers further reviewed preparations for the upcoming Regional Four (R-4) Foreign Ministers’ meeting scheduled later this month.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on issues of mutual interest and evolving regional situations.

Officials said Pakistan continues to engage actively with regional and global partners on diplomatic and humanitarian matters.