Karachi: Pakistan has assisted in the transit of 22 Iranian crew members who arrived safely in Karachi after the vessel they were serving on was intercepted by US authorities, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Friday.
In a statement shared on social media, Dar confirmed that the Iranian nationals reached Karachi without incident and said Pakistani authorities are coordinating with Iranian diplomatic officials to arrange their prompt return to Iran.
According to the Foreign Office, the crew completed emergency immigration procedures upon arrival at Karachi Port before being transferred to the Iranian consulate, where preparations for their onward journey are underway.
Dar said Pakistan maintained communication with both US and Iranian officials throughout the process to ensure the safe movement of the crew members.
The latest transfer marks the fourth such repatriation effort facilitated by Pakistan in the past two months. Officials said the country has now helped more than 70 Iranian nationals return home after they were affected by maritime security operations involving the United States.
The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Pakistan by the Iranian government and praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other national institutions for coordinating the humanitarian effort.
The crew had been aboard the tanker Lenore/Davina, which was intercepted during heightened tensions involving Iranian shipping in the Gulf. Tehran has repeatedly criticized such seizures, describing them as unlawful actions linked to US pressure over Iranian oil exports.
The repatriation follows similar operations earlier this year. In May, Pakistan facilitated the movement of 22 Iranian sailors from the container vessel MV Touska, which had also been detained by US forces. Later that month, Pakistani authorities coordinated the return of 31 individuals—including 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian nationals—who had been aboard vessels seized in international waters.
Pakistan has presented these efforts as part of its commitment to humanitarian cooperation and regional stability, working with multiple countries to ensure stranded crew members can safely return to their home countries.
