ISLAMABAD - In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan has successfully repatriated 31 seafarers - 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian crew members - from the US-seized oil tanker M/T Majestic X, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Friday .
The vessel was intercepted by US forces on April 23, 2026, in the Indian Ocean for allegedly carrying sanctioned Iranian oil. Following weeks of diplomatic coordination, all crew members were safely brought back to Islamabad through a multi-country transit route involving Singapore and Bangkok .
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed gratitude to Allah and outlined the complex diplomatic effort:
"Alhamdolillah, I am pleased to share that we have been successful in the repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals, alongside 20 nationals of our brotherly country Iran, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States."
Alhamdolillah, I am pleased to share that we have been successful in the repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals, alongside 20 nationals of our brotherly country Iran, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States.
- Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 15, 2026
All individuals are in...
The repatriation involved:
| Country | Role |
|---|---|
| Singapore | Facilitated transit and initial processing |
| Thailand | Provided transit facilitation through Bangkok |
| Iran | Coordinated trust and cooperation for their 20 nationals |
| United States | Close coordination for smooth release and return |
According to Dar, all individuals were in good health and high spirits throughout the process. The group transited through Singapore and Bangkok before arriving safely at Islamabad International Airport on Friday evening .
The 20 Iranian nationals will be facilitated to return to their homeland following their arrival in Pakistan, underscoring Islamabad's role as a trusted regional partner .
Foreign Minister Dar personally thanked multiple international counterparts:
Foreign Minister of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan - "For their continued support and engagement throughout this process, extended at my request"
Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi - "For reposing trust in Pakistan for the repatriation of our Iranian brethren"
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio - "For close coordination in facilitating the smooth return of 31 Pakistani and Iranian nationals"
Government of Thailand and Sihasak Phuangketkeow - "For facilitating, at our request, the transit of these individuals through Bangkok"
Dar also praised his colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and Pakistan's Missions in Singapore and Thailand for their "timely coordination and dedicated efforts, ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful completion of the repatriation process" .
The successful repatriation comes against the backdrop of heightened US-Iran maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. Since the outbreak of the US-Iran war on February 28, multiple vessels have been seized, and navigation through the strategic waterway has been severely disrupted .
Key challenges overcome:
| Challenge | Pakistan's Solution |
|---|---|
| US seizure of Iranian oil tanker | Diplomatic coordination with Washington |
| Multi-country transit needed | Engaged Singapore and Thailand |
| 20 Iranian nationals aboard | Secured Tehran's trust and cooperation |
| Welfare of stranded seafarers | Prioritized citizen safety above politics |
Journalists and analysts have called the repatriation a "diplomatic success," highlighting Pakistan's neutral and constructive role in the region despite being a key US partner . Unlike India, which has failed to secure the release of its own nationals from similar situations, Pakistan successfully brought home both its citizens and those of a "brotherly country."
The repatriation is the latest in a series of diplomatic successes for Pakistan, reinforcing its position as a neutral and trusted mediator in the US-Iran conflict.
Recent achievements:
| Achievement | Date |
|---|---|
| Brokered US-Iran ceasefire | April 8, 2026 |
| Hosted first direct US-Iran talks in 47 years | April 11-12, 2026 |
| Secured multiple ceasefire extensions | Ongoing |
| Repatriated 22 Iranian crew members from another vessel | May 4, 2026 |
| Repatriated 31 seafarers from M/T Majestic X | May 15, 2026 |
President Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan's leadership, stating: "Pakistan has been fantastic. The field marshal and the prime minister have been absolutely great."
The successful repatriation stands in stark contrast to India's repeated failures to secure the release of its own nationals:
| Incident | Pakistan | India |
|---|---|---|
| Iranian vessel crew repatriation | Successfully repatriated 22 Iranian crew + 11 Pakistanis (May 2026) | No comparable success |
| Indian oil tanker attacked | N/A | Indian Navy failed to protect its own vessel (May 13, 2026) |
| Stranded sailors | Pakistan brought 31 home | Indian sailors rescued by Oman (not Indian Navy) |
While Pakistan's diplomacy brought its citizens home safely, India's much-touted naval presence failed to protect its own flagged vessels, with Indian crew rescued by Omani authorities - not the Indian Navy .
Beyond the geopolitics, the repatriation is a humanitarian success. Thirty-one seafarers - including 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians - who had been stranded on a seized vessel for weeks are now safe, reunited with their families, and in good health.
Foreign Minister Dar's statement that "the welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress, remains our government's highest priority" reflects a consistent commitment to citizen protection that has yielded tangible results .
The repatriation also demonstrates Pakistan's ability to work simultaneously with the United States, Iran, Singapore, and Thailand - nations that span the geopolitical spectrum - to achieve a humanitarian objective.
As Dar concluded: "TaqabalAllah 🤲"
