Islamabad, May 15, 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday announced the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian nationals who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States on the high seas.
In a statement, Dar said all individuals were in good health and high spirits. He stated that the repatriated nationals had reached Bangkok from Singapore and had boarded a flight scheduled to arrive in Islamabad later Friday night.
He added that the Iranian nationals would subsequently be facilitated in their return to Iran.
The foreign minister said the welfare and well-being of overseas Pakistanis, particularly those facing distress abroad, remains the government’s highest priority.
Dar expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, as well as the government and prime minister of Singapore, for their support and cooperation throughout the repatriation process.
He also thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for placing trust in Pakistan regarding the repatriation of the Iranian nationals.
The deputy prime minister further acknowledged the cooperation of the United States government and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for close coordination in facilitating the smooth return of the 31 Pakistani and Iranian nationals.
He also thanked the government of Thailand for facilitating the transit of the individuals through Bangkok.
Dar appreciated the efforts of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the Ministry of Interior, and Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Singapore and Thailand for ensuring the safe and successful completion of the repatriation process.
