The Foreign Office (FO) has said that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of 10 Pakistani nationals among a group of crew members held hostage by Somali pirates, with officials stressing that no action will be taken that could endanger their lives.
Hijacking Incident Near Somalia
According to diplomatic sources, the oil tanker Honour 25 was seized by pirates on April 21 while sailing near the Somali coast. The vessel was carrying a total of 17 crew members, including:
- 10 Pakistanis
- 4 Indonesians
- 1 Indian
- 1 Myanmar national
All crew members were taken hostage during the incident, which has since triggered ongoing diplomatic and maritime coordination efforts.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated during a weekly press briefing that Pakistan is actively working to secure the release of its citizens. He emphasized that the situation remains highly sensitive and that authorities cannot take any action that could put hostages at further risk.
He added that multiple government institutions, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, are working together to manage the situation and maintain contact with relevant stakeholders.
Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Somalia and Djibouti are also closely monitoring developments. In addition, a delegation from the Pakistani embassy reportedly visited Mogadishu to gather first-hand information about the situation.
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Challenges Due to Dangerous Cargo
Officials have noted that the situation has become more complicated because the hijacked vessel is reportedly carrying highly dangerous and explosive materials. This has made any potential rescue or intervention operation extremely sensitive, increasing the risk involved in resolving the crisis.
Authorities have urged the ship’s owners and Somali officials to ensure that the hostages are provided with basic necessities, including food and drinking water, while negotiations continue.
Concerns for Families and Ongoing Diplomacy
The Foreign Office has acknowledged the distress faced by the families of the abducted crew members and assured them that the government is treating the matter as a top priority. Officials have appealed for patience, stating that all possible diplomatic channels are being used to secure a safe outcome.
Pakistan also remains in contact with international partners and relevant maritime authorities as part of broader coordination efforts to resolve the crisis.
Broader Regional Security Context
In addition to the hostage situation, the Foreign Office spokesperson also highlighted broader regional security concerns, including cross-border terrorism and water-related disputes with neighbouring countries.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preferred approach, while stressing concerns over security threats originating from across the border and urging international attention to regional stability issues.
As negotiations and coordination efforts continue, Pakistan maintains that the safe recovery of its nationals remains the highest priority. However, officials acknowledge that the complex nature of the hijacking, including hazardous cargo onboard, is making resolution more challenging than usual.
