22 Pakistani Crew from US-Seized Iranian Ship Evacuated Safely

Twenty-two Pakistani crew members aboard an Iranian vessel seized by United States naval forces have been safely evacuated to Pakistan, the Foreign Office confirmed on Monday, resolving a tense maritime standoff that had drawn close attention from Islamabad.

The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that Pakistan had been actively engaged with relevant parties to ensure the safety and repatriation of its nationals following the vessel's seizure. The crew members are reported to be in good health following their evacuation, and consular support is being extended to facilitate their return to their families.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of Pakistani maritime workers employed aboard vessels navigating contested international waters, particularly in the Persian Gulf and surrounding sea lanes where US naval enforcement operations targeting Iranian shipping have intensified in recent months.

The Pakistani government has so far not issued formal comment on the broader geopolitical dimensions of the vessel's seizure, choosing instead to prioritise the welfare and repatriation of its citizens. The Foreign Office is expected to provide further details on the circumstances of the crew's employment and evacuation in coming days.