FM Dar announces safe repatriation of 8 Iranian fishermen rescued off Pakistan coast

Appreciates the trust reposed by Iran and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in handling the matter for their nationals

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday announced the successful repatriation of eight Iranian fishermen who had been rescued at sea after their boat ran aground.

In a post on his official X, FM Dar said the eight Iranian fishermen, who were rescued by the British vessel MMA Valour, departed from Karachi for Iran on Monday morning following the completion of all necessary arrangements.

He said the foreign ministry and other concerned authorities worked closely with Iranian and British officials to facilitate the fishermen’s safe transit and early return to their homeland.

“Glad to share that the eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground have been successfully repatriated and departed from Karachi for Iran this morning,” Dar wrote.

Glad to share that the eight (8) Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground have been successfully repatriated and departed from Karachi for Iran this morning.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and all concerned…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 22, 2026

The deputy prime minister said the coordinated efforts reflected Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and regional goodwill.

He also expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Pakistan by the Iranian government in handling the matter and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the safe return of the fishermen.

“We appreciate the trust reposed in Pakistan by Iran and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in handling the matter for their nationals, and the cooperation of all stakeholders in making their safe return possible,” he added.

A day earlier, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) led a coordinated humanitarian assistance and repatriation operation for eight Iranian nationals who had been rescued at sea by MMA VALOUR.

“Necessary reception, documentation, medical screening and coordination for onward repatriation were undertaken under the lead coordination of PMSA,” the statement said.

Read More: 22 Iranian crew repatriated via Pakistan

It added that representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Navy, FIA, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran and relevant international stakeholders were also present during the process.

In May, Pakistan also successfully repatriated 11 Pakistani nationals alongside 20 Iranian nationals who were aboard a vessel seized by the United States in the high seas.

FM Dar made the announcement on X, saying, "I am pleased to share that we have been successful in repatriating 11 Pakistani nationals, alongside 20 nationals from our brotherly country, Iran, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States.” 

He said all the individuals were in good health and high spirits, adding that the welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress, remained the government’s highest priority.