By Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday contacted Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to seek support for the repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian seafarers aboard vessels seized by US authorities.
In a post on X, Ishaq Dar said he had spoken with Balakrishnan and requested Singapore’s assistance in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers currently near Singaporean waters.
Dar also said he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as Pakistan remained in close coordination with Iran on the matter. He reiterated that Pakistan stood ready to facilitate the safe return of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan. The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support being extended by Singapore.
He further stated that Pakistan, through the Foreign Office and relevant authorities, was closely coordinating with US authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the safety, welfare and earliest possible repatriation of the Pakistani seafarers.
In an earlier statement, the Foreign Office said the Singaporean foreign minister had appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and its role in promoting regional peace and stability by facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to peace and development in the region and beyond. The two sides also discussed maritime affairs and recent incidents in international waters, agreeing to maintain close coordination between relevant authorities.
They further underscored the importance of high-level exchanges and agreed to remain in contact. Pakistan had earlier facilitated the return of 22 Iranian crew members who were aboard the seized Iranian container ship MV Touska after they were evacuated to Pakistan by US authorities as a confidence-building measure.
