Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti is closely monitoring developments and coordinating efforts for the release of the hostages.
Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday informed the National Assembly that the government was actively working through diplomatic channels to secure the release of 10 Pakistani nationals held hostage in Somalia.
The tanker Honor 25, sailing under the Somali flag from Oman to Somalia, was hijacked by pirates on April 21. There were 17 crew members on board, 10 of whom were Pakistani citizens. The families of the Pakistani hostages have continually asked the government for the safe release of their loved ones.
In video and audio messages, the Pakistani hostages reported that food and medicine supplies on the ship had been depleted. They said they were only given one portion of boiled rice per day. Drinking water has also run out, forcing the hostages to drink contaminated water, which is causing them to become ill.
Responding to a point raised by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) legislator Abdul Qadir Patel during the House proceedings, the minister said the government took immediate cognizance of the matter as soon as it was brought before Parliament.
The minister informed the House that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had already contacted his Somali counterpart to discuss the issue, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained fully engaged and has issued statements on the situation.
Dar had a phone call last week with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, to convey Pakistan’s “grave” concern over the situation and stressed the importance of ensuring the well-being of the hostages, their early release and their safe repatriation. Ali had assured Dar of Somalia’s “continuous and sincere efforts” to ensure the release of the hostages at the earliest.
Tarar said Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch was in continuous contact with relevant Somali authorities, while Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti was closely monitoring developments and coordinating efforts for the release of the hostages.
He said the hostages were not being held by the Somali government but by another group, making it difficult to determine their exact whereabouts and secure their immediate release.
Assuring the House of the government’s commitment, Tarar said Parliament and the public will be kept informed of any significant progress.
“These are our citizens, and their safety remains a matter of serious concern to the government. We are fully aware of their situation and are making every effort through diplomatic channels to secure their release,” he said.
Earlier in the session, a delegation from Bangladesh’s higher education sector visited the National Assembly and observed the proceedings. NA President Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the visiting delegation, while legislators greeted them by banging their desks.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said last week that the government was “actively working” to secure the release of 10 sailors held hostage by Somali pirates on a ship for more than a month. Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi also said Pakistan continued to “actively participate” in efforts to secure the crew’s release.
