Islamabad says 22 crew members of Iranian ship seized by US evacuated to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members from a seized container vessel as part of a confidence-building measure by the United States, the Foreign Office said on Monday.

According to FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, the crew members, who were aboard the Iranian container ship “MV Touska,” were flown to Pakistan overnight and will be handed over to Iranian authorities later today.

The statement added that the vessel will also be brought back into Pakistan’s territorial waters for necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.

The transfer and return process is being coordinated with the support of both the United States and Iran.

"Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security," the spokesperson said.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to facilitating dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and security.