ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday confirmed the safe evacuation of 22 crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship MV Touska, describing the operation as a “confidence-building measure” facilitated by the United States.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi announced that the individuals, who were flown into Pakistan last night, would be handed over to Iranian authorities on Monday. He further stated that the vessel, which was abandoned at sea following an engine attack, would be towed back to Pakistani territorial waters for necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.
“These returns are being coordinated in tandem with the support of both the Iranian and US sides,” Andrabi said in a statement, adding that Islamabad welcomes such diplomatic steps and remains committed to facilitating dialogue for regional peace and security.
Earlier reports indicated that the crew had been transferred to Pakistani authorities at Pasni port in Balochistan on May 3. The MV Touska, which remains adrift and requires towing, has become a focal point of ongoing mediation efforts involving regional stakeholders.
