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Pakistan Facilitates Repatriation of 30 Iranian Nationals Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced Wednesday that Pakistan is actively facilitating the repatriation of thirty Iranian citizens. This significant humanitarian gesture underscores Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and good neighborly relations, involving various international stakeholders.
Details of the Repatriation Effort
The group of Iranian nationals includes two distinct sets of individuals requiring assistance. Eight Iranian fishermen were recently rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat encountered difficulties and ran aground. Separately, twenty-two Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore, also identified as Davina, are part of the repatriation initiative. This latter group had been interdicted by United States authorities in a recent operation.
Both contingents are expected to travel through Karachi in the coming days as arrangements for their safe transit back to their homeland in Iran are finalized. Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized that Pakistan is working in close coordination with Iranian, United States, and United Kingdom authorities to ensure the swift and secure return of these individuals, highlighting the collaborative nature of this humanitarian endeavor.
Background on the Interdicted Vessel: Lenore/Davina
The vessel Lenore, known interchangeably as Davina, from which the 22 crew members originate, was recently involved in an interdiction by U.S. forces in the Indian Ocean. This operation was carried out by the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command, which has since reverted to its original designation as Pacific Command, as reported earlier this month.
Identified as a supertanker with a substantial capacity of up to two million barrels of crude oil, the Davina was notably placed under US sanctions in October 2024. These sanctions were specifically imposed due to its alleged involvement in Iranian oil trading activities, contravening international regulations. Shipping data further indicated that the vessel was nearly fully loaded with an oil cargo at the time of the interdiction, underscoring the scale of its operations.
Pakistan’s Enduring Role in Humanitarian Diplomacy and Regional Stability
This latest repatriation effort underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian cooperation and its pivotal role as a mediator in complex regional dynamics. Especially amid prevailing tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan has often acted as a conduit between the United States and Iran, demonstrating its readiness to extend assistance to its Iranian brethren on humanitarian grounds.
Significantly, this is not an isolated incident. Earlier in May, Pakistan successfully facilitated the return of crew members from another US-seized Iranian vessel. That particular group consisted of 22 individuals who were transferred to Pakistani custody following their release. The Foreign Office had then described such transfers as crucial “confidence-building measures,” illustrating their broader importance beyond immediate relief to fostering improved international relations and de-escalation in sensitive regions.
Pakistan remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding humanitarian values and actively contributing to efforts that promote peace and stability across the region, reinforcing its image as a responsible international actor.
Additional input from Reuters
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