ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said Pakistan had formally sought Singapore’s support in facilitating the “welfare and repatriation” of Pakistani and Iranian nationals stranded aboard vessels recently seized by the United States.
In a post on X, Dar stated that he had held a telephone conversation with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, requesting assistance for 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians currently on board the affected vessels, which he said were positioned near Singaporean waters.
Spoke with Singaporean Foreign Minister H. E. Vivian Balakrishnan @VivianBala and requested Singapore’s support in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers, aboard vessels seized by U.S. authorities and currently near Singaporean waters.…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 8, 2026
He added that he also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, noting that Islamabad remained “in close coordination on the matter”. Dar further emphasised that Pakistan stood ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistani territory, if required.
“We appreciate the cooperation and support being extended by Singapore. Pakistan, through its Foreign Office and relevant authorities, is closely coordinating with US authorities and others to ensure the safety, welfare, and earliest possible return of our nationals,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office confirmed on Thursday details of the conversation between Dar and the Singaporean foreign minister, stating that Vivian Balakrishnan appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and its role in promoting regional peace and stability, particularly through facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan @VivianBala.
The Singaporean Foreign Minister appreciated DPM/FM’s efforts and Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability… pic.twitter.com/4SsGRjnK3Y
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 7, 2026
The Foreign Office said Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to peace, development, and constructive engagement across the region and beyond. “Matters related to maritime affairs and recent incidents in international waters were discussed.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination between relevant authorities,” the Foreign Office statement added. It further noted that the two leaders underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and sustaining high-level exchanges.
They also agreed to remain in contact on evolving developments. The issue comes shortly after Pakistan facilitated the return of crew members from a US-seized Iranian vessel.
According to officials, at least 15 sailors had already reached the neighbouring country earlier this week as part of what Islamabad described as confidence-building measures.
The vessel was boarded and seized by US forces on April 19. The container ship, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) — which is under US sanctions — was intercepted off Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.
At the time, US Central Command said the crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, alleging the ship violated a US blockade. Iranian authorities have previously disputed such claims.
In a related development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed appreciation to Pakistan for its assistance in repatriating Iranian nationals and acknowledged Islamabad’s ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic support.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.
The two exchanged views on recent regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
FM Araghchi briefed the DPM/FM on… pic.twitter.com/fjODsbcGQ7
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 7, 2026
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, have intensified in recent months. Tehran has reportedly restricted movement through the waterway following heightened regional hostilities, while several vessels have reported coming under fire or interception.
The United States has also increased maritime enforcement measures targeting Iranian-linked shipping.
