Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced Friday that Pakistan has successfully secured the release of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian citizens who had been detained aboard vessels seized by the United States in international waters.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Dar said all 31 individuals are safe and in good spirits. He confirmed that all those released have travelled from Singapore to Bangkok and are expected to arrive in Islamabad the same night, after which arrangements will be made to facilitate the return of the Iranian nationals to their country.

Dar credited Singapore’s active role in the process, expressing deep gratitude to Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the Prime Minister, and the Government of Singapore for their sustained cooperation and coordination following his personal request.

The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for entrusting Pakistan with the responsibility of facilitating the return of Iranian citizens. He further acknowledged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US government for their close cooperation in ensuring the safe return of all 31 individuals.

Thailand’s government and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were also thanked for facilitating the transit of the released individuals through Bangkok.

Dar extended his appreciation to officials at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and diplomatic missions in Singapore and Thailand for their timely coordination and tireless efforts in bringing the process to a successful conclusion.

Pakistani engineer among Somali hostages appeals for help

In a separate and ongoing maritime crisis, a new video has emerged showing crew members of a vessel hijacked by Somali pirates, in which Pakistani engineer Kashif Umar appealed directly to the government for immediate intervention, describing conditions on board as increasingly dire.

According to sources in Karachi, the video released by the pirates shows Kashif Umar stating that 26 days have passed since the hijacking and that the situation has deteriorated severely. He said food supplies on the vessel have run out, with crew members being given only boiled rice once a day. Clean drinking water has also been exhausted, forcing the crew to consume contaminated water.

Kashif Umar urged the Pakistani government and the shipping company to immediately contact the captors and take urgent steps to secure the crew’s release. According to sources, 10 Pakistani crew members, including Kashif Umar, remain held hostage by Somali pirates aboard the seized vessel.