ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – As a confidence-building measure by the United States of America, twenty-two crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship, 'MV Touska', have been evacuated to Pakistan.
It was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
“The individuals, who were flown to Pakistan last night, will be handed over to the Iranian authorities today,” read the official statement.
The Iranian ship will also be backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after necessary repairs. These returns are being coordinated in tandem with the support of both the Iranian and US sides.
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“Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also shared the development on X.
“These actions are being coordinated with the support of both the Iranian and the US authorities and surely constitute an important confidence-building measure,” he wrote.
Pleased to announce that twenty-two crew members from the seized Iranian container vessel, “MV Touska”, have been safely evacuated to Pakistan. The individuals were safely flown in Pakistan last night and will be transferred to Iran today. The Iranian ship is also being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 4, 2026Pakistan expresses its appreciation to the United States and Iran, and remains committed to facilitating dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation for the regional peace and security, the foreign minister said.