ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said the government has successfully repatriated 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians through Singapore after they were aboard vessels seized by United States authorities in the high seas.

In a statement posted on X, Dar said all individuals were in good health and high spirits, adding that the welfare of Pakistanis abroad, especially those in distress, remains the government’s top priority.

He said the individuals were moved from Singapore to Bangkok, from where they boarded a flight bound for Islamabad, completing the final phase of their return journey. Iranian nationals will later be facilitated to return to their home country.

Dar expressed gratitude to Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and the Singaporean government for their cooperation, as well as to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for trusting Pakistan in facilitating the repatriation process.

He also acknowledged coordination with US authorities, saying their cooperation helped ensure the safe return of the detained nationals. The government of Thailand was also thanked for facilitating transit arrangements in Bangkok.

Officials from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Ministry of Interior, and diplomatic missions in Singapore and Thailand were also credited for their role in completing the operation.

According to Dar, Pakistan had been in continuous coordination with international partners over recent weeks to secure the safe return of its seafarers detained in connection with vessels seized near Singaporean waters.

The deputy prime minister said the government would continue to prioritise the protection and safe return of Pakistani citizens abroad through diplomatic engagement.