ISLAMABAD, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has facilitated the safe return of 22 Iranian crew members following their interdiction by U.S. authorities, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on Friday.

The Iranian crew members have safely arrived in Pakistan's southern port city Karachi on Friday, Dar said in a statement, adding that the country is working closely with Iranian diplomatic missions to ensure their earliest and safe return home.

He said that Pakistan remained in close contact with both U.S. and Iranian authorities throughout the process, noting that this was the fourth group of Iranian crew members repatriated through Pakistan in the past two months, bringing the total number assisted to more than 70. ■