ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully repatriated 11 of its citizens, along with 20 Iranian nationals, with the assistance of Singapore aboard vessels seized on the high seas by the United States.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the development in a post on X on Friday, thanking the government of Singapore and the Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan for their continued support and engagement throughout this process.
“All individuals are in good health and high spirits. The welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress, remains our government’s highest priority,” he added.
He added that all individuals have safely reached Bangkok from Singapore and have already boarded the flight scheduled to arrive in Islamabad later tonight. “Our Iranian brothers will then be facilitated to return to their homeland,” he said.
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
He also thanked the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, for placing his trust in Pakistan regarding the repatriation of Iranian brethren.
“I extend gratitude to the Government of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for close coordination in facilitating the smooth return of 31 Pakistani and Iranian nationals, and to the Government of Thailand for facilitating, at our request, the transit of these individuals through Bangkok,” he said.
He also praised Pakistan’s 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.
Last month, the United States military intercepted at least three tankers flying the Iranian flag in Asian waters, amid Washington’s ongoing blockade of Iran’s maritime trade.
Earlier this month Ishaq Dar said that he had sought Singapore’s support in repatriating Pakistani and Iranian seafarers aboard vessels seized by the US.
