Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and requested Singapore's support in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers, aboard vessels seized by U.S. authorities and currently near Singaporean waters.

In a statement issued on X, Ishaq Dar said that he also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as we remain in close coordination on the matter. He said that Pakistan also stands ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan.

Ishaq Dar said that we appreciate the cooperation and support being extended by Singapore. Pakistan, through its Foreign Office and relevant authorities, is closely coordinating with U.S. authorities and others to ensure the safety, welfare, and earliest possible return of our nationals.