ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that Pakistan has facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including fishermen and crew members rescued and released in separate maritime incidents.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Dar said the group includes eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, as well as 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, which was recently intercepted by US authorities.
He said both groups are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days before being repatriated to Iran.
“We remain in close coordination with Iranian, US and UK authorities to ensure the safe transit and early return of our Iranian brethren,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and providing assistance where possible.
Pakistan is pleased to facilitate the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals. This includes 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 17, 2026According to reports, the Davina—also known as Lenore—is a supertanker previously sanctioned by the United States over alleged Iranian oil trading and was recently seized during maritime enforcement operations in the Indian Ocean.
Pakistan has previously played a mediating role in similar cases, including the facilitation of crew transfers from a US-seized Iranian vessel earlier this year as part of confidence-building measures between the parties.