Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 22 crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship MV Touska were evacuated to Pakistan on Sunday night. The evacuation was described as a confidence-building measure by the United States, according to the ministry's statement [1].
The transfer took place with the support of both Iranian and US sides, reflecting coordination efforts to facilitate the crew's return, Pakistan said. The ministry added that Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building steps and will continue to support dialogue and diplomacy aimed at regional peace and security [1].
ABC News reported US Central Command helped facilitate the transfer of the 22 crew members to Pakistan for repatriation [1]. According to earlier reports, six other passengers had already been moved last week to a regional country for repatriation, signaling a phased effort to resolve the situation [1].
Iran's Fars news agency subsequently reported that 15 crew members from the ship had arrived in Iran, indicating their onward return [1].
Pakistan stated the MV Touska ship will be transferred back into Pakistani territorial waters after necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners [1].
The move follows a period of tension after the ship was seized, and authorities are now focused on completing the repatriation process and the vessel’s restoration.
The repatriation effort continues to unfold, with the evacuation of the 22 crew members marking the most recent step by Pakistan and its partners.