Pakistan facilitates transfer of Iranian crew

May 04, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members from a seized container vessel in a coordinated operation involving the United States and Iran, according to an official statement released from Islamabad.

The crew, who were aboard the Iranian-flagged container ship MV Touska, were evacuated to Pakistan following the vessel’s detention.

They were flown into the country last night and are expected to be handed over to Iranian authorities on Sunday, the statement said.

The ship will also be moved back into Pakistani territorial waters as part of arrangements for its return to original ownership after completion of necessary repairs, it added.

Officials described the move as a confidence-building measure, coordinated with support from both Iranian and US sides, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement among the stakeholders.

“Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while supporting mediation efforts for regional peace and security,” the statement said.

The development comes amid broader geopolitical sensitivities in the region, where maritime security and shipping lanes remain a recurring point of coordination between regional and global powers.

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