Pakistan repatriates eight Iranian fishermen after sea rescue

Pakistan has repatriated eight Iranian fishermen who were rescued at sea by a British vessel after their boat ran aground, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on June 22, according to Chinese media.

The fishermen left the southern port city of Karachi for Iran on Monday (June 22) morning following coordinated efforts by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities, Dar said in a statement.

"Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all concerned authorities coordinated closely with the Iranian and UK authorities to facilitate the safe transit and early return of our Iranian brethren to their homeland," Dar said.

The foreign minister praised Tehran’s confidence in Islamabad in handling the case and thanked all stakeholders involved for their cooperation in ensuring the fishermen’s safe return.

"We appreciate the trust reposed in Pakistan by Iran, Araghchi, in handling the matter for their nationals, and the cooperation of all stakeholders in making their safe return possible," he stated