As a confidence-building measure by the United States of America, twenty-two crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship, ‘MV Touska’, have been evacuated to Pakistan.The individuals, who were flown to Pakistan last night, will be handed over to the Iranian authorities today. The Iranian ship will also be back loaded to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after necessary repairs.

These returns are being coordinated in tandem with the support of both the Iranian and US sides. In a statement, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)