ISLAMABAD, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has successfully repatriated eight Iranian fishermen who were rescued at sea by a British vessel after their boat ran aground, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on Monday.

The fishermen departed from the southern port city of Karachi for Iran on Monday morning following coordinated efforts by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities, Dar said in a statement.

"Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all concerned authorities coordinated closely with the Iranian and UK authorities to facilitate the safe transit and early return of our Iranian brethren to their homeland," Dar said.

The foreign minister appreciated the trust reposed by Iran in Pakistan in handling the matter involving its nationals and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the fishermen's safe return.