ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has started the repatriation and humanitarian assistance of eight Iranian nationals who were rescued at sea by a British vessel.
The repatriation follows an announcement by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar that Islamabad was facilitating the return of 30 Iranian nationals rescued at sea by US and British authorities. The group comprises eight fishermen and 22 crew members.
The operation marks the latest humanitarian effort by Pakistan to assist Iranian citizens affected by regional tensions. According to Dar, all rescued individuals are expected to transit through Karachi before continuing their journey home.
PAKISTAN MARITIME SECURITY AGENCY COORDINATES HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND REPATRIATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS RESCUED AT SEA
Karachi, Sunday, 21 June 2026: Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) spearheaded a coordinated humanitarian assistance and repatriation effort (1/5) pic.twitter.com/cNv2d6Z3hP
— PAKISTAN MARITIME SECURITY AGENCY (@PMSAHQ) June 21, 2026
“Necessary reception, documentation, medical screening and coordination for onward repatriation were undertaken under the lead coordination of PMSA,” the maritime agency said in a post on X.
Representatives from the foreign ministry, Pakistan Navy, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Consulate General of Iran and relevant international stakeholders were also present during the process, the PMSA said.
Pakistan is pleased to facilitate the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals.
This includes 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 17, 2026
“The operation was conducted in close coordination with national and international stakeholders, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment towards humanitarian assistance, safety of life at sea and regional maritime cooperation,” the statement said.
The PMSA said it is Pakistan’s sole maritime law enforcement agency and is responsible for conducting search-and-rescue operations across the country’s maritime zones.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives at sea, stating that it remains “fully committed to safeguarding human life at sea and coordinating timely assistance during maritime emergencies.”
The latest repatriation effort follows a similar operation in May, when Pakistan facilitated the return of crew members from an Iranian vessel seized by US authorities. The crew were among 22 individuals transferred to Pakistan after their release, underscoring Islamabad’s ongoing role in assisting Iranian nationals affected by regional tensions.
