Pakistan moves for return of seafarers

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said he has requested Singapore's assistance in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of detained seafarers.

In a post on X, Dar said he spoke with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan regarding 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers aboard vessels seized by US authorities and currently near Singaporean waters.

"I requested Singapore's support in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers," he said.

Dar also said he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, adding that Pakistan remains in close coordination with Iran on the matter. "Pakistan also stands ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan," he added.

He expressed appreciation for Singapore's cooperation and support, saying the Foreign Office and relevant authorities are coordinating with US officials and others to ensure the safety, welfare, and early return of the nationals involved.