Pakistan Engages Singapore, Iran Over Citizens Aboard US-Seized Vessels
In a post on X, Dar said he had spoken with Vivian Balakrishnan and requested Singapore’s support in facilitating the welfare and return of 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians currently aboard the vessels.
He added that he also held talks with Abbas Araghchi, saying Pakistan and Iran remained in close coordination on the matter.
“Pakistan also stands ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan,” Dar stated, while appreciating Singapore’s cooperation and support.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar and the Singaporean foreign minister discussed recent maritime incidents in international waters and agreed to maintain close coordination between the relevant authorities of both countries.
The Foreign Office added that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace and regional stability, while also emphasizing the importance of continued high-level engagement and bilateral cooperation.
The development comes days after Pakistan facilitated the return of crew members from another US-seized Iranian vessel, with at least 15 sailors repatriated earlier this week as part of what the Foreign Office described as “confidence-building measures”.
The vessel, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was seized by US forces on April 19 near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman. US Central Command had stated that the ship failed to comply with repeated warnings and was allegedly in violation of a US blockade.