In his statement on the evacuation to Pakistan of 22 crew members from an Iranian container vessel seized by the US, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar says the actions “surely constitute an important confidence-building measure”.

“The individuals were safely flown in Pakistan last night and will be transferred to today. The Iranian ship is also being backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for its return to its original owners after necessary repairs,” Dar said on X.

He noted that the actions were “being coordinated with the support of both the Iranian and the US authorities” and expressed Pakistan’s appreciation to the US and Iran.

He affirmed that Islamabad “remains committed to facilitating dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation for the regional peace and security”.