Islamabad, June 17, 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Pakistan was facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and regional confidence-building efforts.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Dar said the group comprises eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, as well as 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, which was recently interdicted by US authorities.
“Both groups are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days,” Dar said.
He added that Pakistan was working closely with the authorities of Iran, the United States and the United Kingdom to ensure the safe transit and early return of the Iranian nationals.
“We remain in close coordination with the Iranian, United States and United Kingdom authorities to ensure the safe transit and early return of our Iranian brethren to their homeland. Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and to extending every possible assistance to our Iranian brothers,” he said.
The development comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate communication and confidence-building measures between Washington and Tehran following recent tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier this month, US forces intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker Davina in the Indian Ocean, according to the US Indo-Pacific Command, which has since reverted to its previous designation as the Pacific Command.
The Davina, also known as the Lenore, is a supertanker capable of carrying up to two million barrels of crude oil. The vessel was placed under US sanctions in October 2024 over its involvement in Iranian oil trade, according to international shipping data.
Shipping records indicated that the tanker was carrying a near-full cargo of crude oil at the time of its interdiction.
In May, Pakistan facilitated the return of crew members from another US-seized Iranian vessel. The 22-member crew was transferred to Pakistan following their release as part of efforts aimed at reducing tensions and building trust between the concerned parties.
The Foreign Office had described the transfer of the crew as a confidence-building measure, underscoring Pakistan’s role in supporting humanitarian initiatives and promoting dialogue in the region.
Analysts view the latest repatriation effort as another indication of Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement in regional affairs and its willingness to assist in humanitarian matters involving countries affected by geopolitical tensions.
