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Amid growing concerns over a prolonged maritime crisis, Pakistan FM urges intensified diplomacy to secure release of hostages held by Somali pirates following a high-level security meeting held in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the inter-agency briefing to review government operations regarding ten Pakistani sailors captive since April. Foreign ministry officials confirmed that Dar instructed all relevant stakeholders to maintain strict coordination and deepen engagement with international partners, relevant global organizations, and Somali authorities to facilitate a safe resolution.
The crisis stems from the April 21 hijacking of the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker intercepted by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia’s Puntland region. The vessel’s 17-member multinational crew includes ten Pakistani citizens alongside sailors from Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka. Negotiators indicate that progress has stalled over a reported three-million-dollar ransom demand, while the vessel’s explosive oil cargo introduces significant operational constraints that rule out aggressive military intervention.
Humanitarian concerns have mounted following video messages released by the captive crew appealing directly to international governments for assistance. Relatives report that the crew faces acute shortages of clean drinking water, food supplies, and essential medicine aboard the stationary tanker. Diplomatic representatives noted that hostage negotiations are further complicated by the vessel’s geographic position in semi-autonomous Puntland, where local administrative structures operate independently from federal authorities in Mogadishu.
Despite these complex logistical obstacles, Pakistani officials emphasize that diplomatic channels remain fully active through its regional embassy accredited to Somalia. Foreign Office spokespersons confirmed that authorities are pursuing multi-track outreach with maritime security partners, shipowners, and regional stakeholders to ensure the continuous supply of vital necessities to the crew. Reaffirming state support for the affected families, Minister Dar expressed confidence that sustained diplomatic contacts and coordinated regional engagement will eventually produce a safe outcome for all crew members.