Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in a discussion with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali on Tuesday concerning the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Pakistani hostages aboard the MT Honour 25. Dar expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the critical need for the hostages’ safety, their prompt release, and secure return to Pakistan.
The MT Honour 25, a product tanker registered under the Palau flag, was hijacked on April 21 about 30 nautical miles off Somalia’s Puntland region. The vessel carried 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis. Pakistan has maintained active communication with Somali authorities since the hijacking incident.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister reassured Dar of his government’s committed and genuine efforts to facilitate the hostages’ release as soon as possible. Both officials agreed to sustain close coordination until the matter reaches a resolution. They also acknowledged the positive progress in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Somalia, with the Somali FM praising Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic mediation in the wider regional context.
This development follows a recent call between Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and DPM Dar, where the minister highlighted the urgency of accelerating efforts to secure the safe release of the Pakistani crew. Humanitarian initiatives were launched immediately after the hijacking was reported in April. Chaudhry has maintained continuous communication with Pakistan’s foreign ministry and the Somali embassy throughout the process.
Efforts to negotiate with the pirates are ongoing, with the Somali government liaising through the vessel’s owner. Initially, the pirates demanded a ransom of $10 million, which was later reduced to $4 million, but talks have yet to yield a breakthrough.
Piracy off Somalia’s coast was rampant during the 2000s, peaking in 2011 with hundreds of attacks. The threat diminished significantly due to international naval patrols and improved security protocols by commercial ships. However, recent reports from the European Union naval mission indicate a resurgence of piracy incidents in the area.
