Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Monday that the government is actively working to secure the release of 10 Pakistani seamen held hostage by Somali pirates aboard the oil tanker Honour 25. The vessel, sailing under the Somali flag from Oman to Somalia, was hijacked on April 21. Among the 17 crew members, 10 are Pakistani nationals.
Families Appeal for Safe Return
The families of the Pakistani hostages have continuously appealed to the government for the safe release of their loved ones. In video and audio messages, the hostages reported that food supplies and medicines on the ship have run out. They are receiving only one serving of boiled rice per day, and clean drinking water is unavailable, forcing them to drink contaminated water, which is causing illnesses.
Government Actions and Diplomatic Efforts
A statement from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said Chaudhry spoke to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding the rescue and also contacted Pakistan’s ambassador in Somalia. He expressed concern over the deteriorating health of the crew. "The government is actively working for the safe return of Pakistani citizens," the statement quoted the minister, adding that Pakistan is in constant contact with the foreign ministry and the Somali embassy. He emphasized expediting steps for the early and safe release of the crew, noting that humanitarian efforts were initiated as soon as the incident was reported in April.
Ongoing Negotiations and Challenges
Last week, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remains actively engaged in securing the crew's release. He acknowledged the situation remains serious and complex. The maritime minister assured that Islamabad is liaising with the shipowner, who is also a principal negotiator with the pirates, while the Somali government remains aware of the situation. According to the Foreign Office, the vessel’s location and its highly explosive cargo significantly complicate rescue efforts. Any direct law-enforcement operation could endanger the hostages, so authorities have prioritized negotiations and diplomatic engagement. The spokesman urged the Somali government and ship owner to ensure the hostages receive food, potable water, and other basic amenities during negotiations.
Regional Security Concerns
Security analysts warn that recent incidents could signal a revival of opportunistic hijacking in the region, posing grave risks to international shipping and maritime crews. Somali pirate attacks peaked in 2011, when armed groups launched operations as far as 3,655 kilometers from Somalia's coastline, threatening one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
