Government Intensifies Efforts to Secure Release of Pakistanis Held by Somali Pirates

The federal government is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 10 Pakistani nationals held hostage by Somali pirates aboard the oil tanker Honour 25, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The tanker, sailing under the Somali flag from Oman to Somalia, was hijacked on April 21 while carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis. The crew has remained in captivity for nearly two months, prompting growing concern among their families and government officials.

Addressing the House, Tarar said the government was utilizing all available diplomatic channels to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages. He added that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission and the Foreign Office were maintaining close coordination with Somali authorities and other stakeholders involved in efforts to secure the crew’s release.

Families of the hostages have repeatedly appealed for urgent intervention, citing worsening conditions aboard the vessel. In video and audio messages, the captives reported severe shortages of food, medicine, and clean drinking water. According to the hostages, they are surviving on a single serving of boiled rice each day and are being forced to drink contaminated water, resulting in illness among several crew members.

The government has assured Parliament that the matter remains a top priority and that efforts will continue until the hostages are safely released and repatriated.