The government remains firmly committed to securing the release of Pakistani nationals held captive by Somali pirates for almost two months, the Foreign Office confirmed on Thursday. The MT Honour 25, which has 17 crew members aboard including 10 Pakistanis, was seized near Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region on April 21.
Families of the hostages have expressed increasing concern as conditions aboard the vessel reportedly worsen during the prolonged captivity. In his weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi expressed regret that despite persistent efforts, the hostages have been held for approximately 50 days without release.
Efforts to resolve the crisis continue actively, with engagement involving Somali authorities, the shipowner, and local tribal leaders in Puntland, all working to negotiate the hostages’ early release. Andrabi highlighted that two days ago, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Somali Foreign Minister Abdul Salam Ali to address the situation.
During the call, DPM Dar conveyed Pakistan’s serious concerns and emphasized the urgency of securing the safe return of the detained crew members. He also called for improved living conditions not only for the 10 Pakistani hostages but also for the seven crew members from Indonesia, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The Somali Foreign Minister reassured continued and sincere efforts from his government to resolve the matter.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the hostages are freed. Andrabi noted that the government has taken several decisive measures to facilitate the release. Besides the DPM’s intervention, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch summoned the Somali Ambassador in Islamabad to discuss further steps.
Additionally, the Pakistani embassy in Djibouti, which is accredited to Mogadishu, has dispatched teams to Somalia’s capital to engage with relevant parties. Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental meetings are ongoing, with another key in-person meeting planned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains operationally complex due to the hostages being held in Puntland, where intricate tribal dynamics complicate negotiations. The pirates and the shipowner belong to different tribes, adding layers of difficulty to the discussions. The government urges patience while expressing deep sympathy for the families affected by this ordeal.
