The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe release of Pakistani citizens being held hostage by Somali pirates after a vessel carrying multiple crew members was hijacked nearly two months ago. Officials say the matter remains a top priority despite the significant challenges involved in negotiations and rescue efforts.
The MT Honour 25 was seized by pirates near Somalia’s Puntland region on April 21 while carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals. Since the hijacking, families of the hostages have expressed growing concern about the well being of their loved ones, citing reports of worsening conditions aboard the vessel.
During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi acknowledged that despite continuous diplomatic efforts, the hostages have not yet been released. He emphasized that Pakistan is actively coordinating with Somali authorities, the shipowner, and influential tribal leaders in the region to achieve a peaceful resolution.
According to the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently held discussions with Somali Foreign Minister Abdul Salam Ali regarding the situation. During the conversation, Pakistan conveyed its serious concern and stressed the urgent need for the safe release and repatriation of all crew members.
Officials also highlighted the need to improve living conditions for the detained sailors, who include nationals from Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Somali authorities assured Pakistan that efforts are continuing and both countries agreed to maintain close coordination until the issue is resolved.
The Foreign Office further revealed that Pakistan has held multiple inter ministerial meetings and diplomatic engagements on the matter. The Pakistani Embassy in Djibouti has also dispatched teams to Mogadishu to support ongoing efforts.
Officials described the situation as highly complex because the hostages are being held in Somalia’s semi autonomous Puntland region, where tribal dynamics play a major role. Despite these difficulties, Pakistan remains determined to secure the release of its citizens and continues to work closely with all relevant stakeholders.
