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

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed "stakeholders" to bolster diplomatic efforts and maintain close communication with domestic and foreign allies in an attempt to secure the release of 10 Pakistani sailors currently held hostage by Somali pirates. The crew members of the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, have been captives since April 21, when the vessel was seized off the coast of Puntland, Somalia.

The hostages comprise not only the 10 Pakistani sailors but also seven Indonesians, an Indian, and a Sri Lankan.

During the nearly four-month captivity, no progress has been made in negotiations or ransom payments, estimated at approximately $3 million. The Foreign Office (FO) has consistently affirmed that efforts persist for the sailors' safe return, with Dar personally chairing a high-level meeting to assess intensified measures for the sailors' recovery.

In a recent statement on X, the FO emphasized that Dar is deeply concerned about the situation and expressed optimism that persistent and coordinated engagement would result in a positive outcome and the sailors' return.

On August 7, the hostages transmitted another distress signal, their appeal directly addressed to the Pakistani government. In two video messages, the crew members, both Pakistani and foreign nationals, appeared in dire condition, visibly weak and in need of medical attention. The sailors implored the government to engage with the Somali pirates and facilitate their release.

Since the hijacking, the crew has issued multiple emotional videos and audio messages, highlighting their desperate situation, including a lack of clean water, food, and medication.

The hostage crisis stems from an "ownership crisis," as the ship's ownership is unclear, with previous claims of the ship's ownership proven to be false. The Pakistani crew members had previously released several videos and phone calls to their families, pressuring them to pay the ransom. However, following mid-June, the appeals ceased until the latest message was transmitted.