Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar asked his Somali counterpart for the urgent release of Pakistani sailors kidnapped by pirates. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for the early release of sailors held hostage off Somalia during a phone call with his Somali counterpart Abdisalam Abdi Ali.
Foreign Minister Dar conveyed Pakistan’s “grave” concern over the situation and underlined the importance of ensuring the well-being of the hostages, their early release and safe repatriation, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke to Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali @AbdisalamDhaay to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of Pakistani hostages on board MT Honor 25. Pakistan has been actively… pic.twitter.com/WAEfPvzKW8
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 9, 2026
Ali assured Dar of Somalia’s “continuous and sincere efforts” to ensure the release of the hostages as soon as possible.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter is resolved.
Read more: Government intensifies attempt to free crew held hostage by Somali pirates
Eleven Pakistani nationals were taken hostage aboard the MT Honor 25 when the ship was hijacked off the southeast coast of Somalia on April 21.
The Pakistani sailors, along with the rest of the ship’s crew, remain in captivity.
The Somali foreign minister also “praised” Pakistan’s “constructive” mediation and diplomatic efforts to achieve a negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
