Dar hails Iran's move to allow 20 more Pakistani ships through Strait of Hormuz

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Iran had agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. “I am pleased to share great news that the Government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” Dar said in a post on X, adding that two ships would cross the Strait of Hormuz daily. The recent development came as Pakistan stepped up its diplomatic efforts since the start of the US-Israel and Iran conflict to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. As a result, President Donald Trump postponed planned military strikes on Iranian power plants following diplomatic efforts. Calling it a “welcome and constructive gesture” by Iran, Dar said the move was a harbinger of peace and would help usher in stability in the region. “This positive announcement marks a meaningful step towards peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction,” he said, adding that “dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward.” I am pleased to share a great news that the Government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz; two ships will cross the Strait daily. This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 28, 2026 Earlier in the day, sources in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that Iran had permitted two Pakistani cargo ships to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels, Multan and P-Akili, which were previously held after Iranian forces took control of the strait — a key global oil supply route — have now crossed and are en route to Karachi. They are expected to dock at Karachi port on March 31, a source familiar with the matter said. Read: Iran permits 2 Pakistani cargo ships to pass through Strait of Hormuz It is the second time Tehran permitted a Pakistani ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on February 28. Previously, a Pakistani oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 16. The Middle East region remains on high alert following the joint US-Israel offensive on Iran that began on February 28, which has resulted in over 3000 deaths, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruption to global markets and aviation.