Dar orders intensified diplomatic engagement for release of Pakistani sailors held hostage by Somali pirates

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has ordered "stakeholders" to enhance diplomatic efforts and maintain close coordination to secure the release of 10 Pakistani sailors held hostage by Somali pirates since April, according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office. The sailors are among the crew of the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker hijacked off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, on April 21.

The hostages also include seven Indonesians, an Indian, and a Sri Lankan. Despite over three months of captivity, there has been no progress in negotiations or ransom payments, which are reportedly around $3 million. The Foreign Office emphasized that efforts to secure the sailors' release continue and that Dar chaired a high-level meeting to review Pakistan's intensified actions.

Dar expressed hope that sustained engagement would result in a positive outcome and the sailors' safe return, adding that he expressed solidarity with their families. On August 7, more than 100 days after capture, the crew members released a distress message, expressing their dire situation and requesting the Pakistani government to intervene.