Pakistan has successfully repatriated 11 Pakistani nationals and facilitated the return of 20 Iranian citizens who were aboard vessels seized by the United States in international waters, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday.
In a statement, Dar said all 31 individuals were in good health and high spirits, adding that the welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress, remained the government’s top priority.
He said the individuals had travelled from Singapore to Bangkok and had boarded a flight scheduled to arrive in Islamabad later on Friday night. The Iranian nationals would subsequently be facilitated for their return to Iran.
Dar thanked Vivian Balakrishnan, the government of Singapore and Prime Minister of Singapore for their support and engagement throughout the process.
He also expressed gratitude to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for “reposing trust in Pakistan” for the repatriation of Iranian nationals.
The deputy prime minister further acknowledged the cooperation of the government of the United States, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for coordination in facilitating the smooth return of the Pakistani and Iranian nationals.
He also thanked the government of Thailand for facilitating the transit of the individuals through Bangkok.
NA opposition raises alarm over ‘deportation’ of Pakistanis from UAE
Opposition members in the National Assembly has claimed that thousands of Pakistanis had recently been deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and urged the government to address the matter urgently.
PTI-backed lawmaker Shehryar Afridi called on the government to engage mediators to help improve relations between Pakistan and the UAE. He alleged that certain elements were attempting to create divisions between the two countries and their people. Afridi said overseas Pakistanis, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions, were contributing significantly to the national economy through remittances sent from the UAE.
Criticising Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he claimed the minister’s policies did not reflect ground realities, adding that the law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had deteriorated.
Condemning terrorism originating from Afghanistan, Afridi suggested that the government should engage pro-Pakistan groups operating in the neighbouring country. He also urged the government not to isolate PTI leaders and supporters, stating that Pakistan belonged equally to all political parties, including PTI, PML-N, JUI-F and PPP. He further alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife were not being provided medical treatment in accordance with jail regulations.