Pakistan has facilitated the transfer of 22 crew members from the seized Iranian container ship “MV Touska” as part of a confidence-building measure undertaken by the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Spokesperson, the crew members, who had been held aboard the Iranian vessel, were evacuated and flown to Pakistan late Saturday night. The individuals are scheduled to be handed over to the Iranian authorities today.
The Foreign Office stated that the Iranian container ship “MV Touska” would also be backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after completion of the necessary repairs.
It added that the process of the crew transfer and return of the vessel was being coordinated with the support and cooperation of both the Iranian and US sides.
Pakistan welcomed the development and termed it an important confidence-building measure aimed at supporting diplomatic engagement and reducing tensions in the region.
The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan would continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing its ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security.
Officials said the move reflects Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement with regional and international stakeholders and its commitment to promoting peaceful solutions through negotiations and constructive communication.
The latest development comes amid intensified diplomatic contacts in the region, with Pakistan maintaining that dialogue and confidence-building measures remain essential for achieving lasting peace and stability.