Pakistani hostages held by Somali pirates issue new distress message seeking govt help

Over a hundred days after being taken hostage by Somali pirates, crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25 have issued a new distress plea, directly addressing the Pakistani government for their rescue. The Honour 25, a Palau-flagged vessel carrying 17 to 19 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis, was hijacked off the coast of Puntland, Somalia on April 21.

Despite the passage of three months, negotiations have not yielded progress and a ransom of approximately $3 million remains unpaid, raising growing concerns about the hostages' deteriorating health.

In two video messages, the hostages appeared in a state of extreme distress, appearing sick and weak. They urgently implored the Pakistani government to intervene, with crew member Yasir Khan stating that many of the crew members have fallen ill and lack access to medical supplies. He urged the government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry to secure their release before their situation worsens.

Additionally, Pakistani hostage Hussain Yousuf expressed his concern, noting that more than a hundred days have passed with no information on their whereabouts or fate. He appealed to the Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Forces, and Chief of the Army Staff to take action before further news of their condition emerges.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi voiced his sorrow over the unfulfilled release, revealing that an inter-ministerial process is underway, involving the Ministry of Human Rights, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and other relevant agencies continuously monitoring the situation. Andrabi acknowledged the complexity of the hostage situation, as the pirates are operating in an autonomous region of Somalia, presenting significant challenges for any negotiations or rescue efforts.

The tribal system and influential figures within Somali society further compound the complications, including the pirates themselves being involved in the hostages' kidnapping.

However, Andrabi expressed hope for a positive outcome, emphasizing that Pakistan is in constant communication with Somalia's government and international organizations. He expressed deep sympathy for the hostages' families, acknowledging the government's understanding of their anguish. The spokesperson affirmed that the matter remains a top priority, under constant monitoring, and that all possible efforts are being made to ensure their early repatriation through cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies.

The crew, comprising 10 Pakistani, seven Indonesian, one Indian, and one Sri Lankan nationals, has made emotional videos and phone calls to their families, reporting a lack of clean water, food, and medicine since the hijacking.