Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday spoke with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali to discuss ongoing efforts for the release of Pakistani hostages aboard the MT Honour 25.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Dar had conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over the situation, underscoring the importance of ensuring the hostages’ well-being, their early release, and safe repatriation. “Pakistan has been actively engaging with Somali authorities following the vessel’s hijacking off the Somali coast in April,” the statement added.
The MT Honour 25 is a Palau-flagged product tanker that was seized by Somali pirates on April 21, with 17 crewmembers aboard. Of the crew, 10 are Pakistani and their families have repeatedly called on the government to secure their release.
According to the Foreign Office, the Somalian foreign minister assured his Pakistani counterpart of his government’s continued and sincere efforts to secure the release of the hostages at the earliest opportunity. “Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter is resolved,” it added.
Dar and Ali also expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Somalia. During their conversation, Ali commended Pakistan’s constructive mediation and diplomatic efforts in the broader regional context.
A day earlier, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry had talked with Dar and emphasized the need to expedite efforts for the prompt and safe release of the Pakistani crewmembers. Chaudhry, per a statement, noted humanitarian efforts had been launched immediately after authorities were informed of the incident in April, adding he has remained in continuous contact with Pakistan’s foreign ministry and the Somali embassy as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the situation.
The Reuters news agency has reported that the pirates had initially demanded a ransom of $10 million but later reduced it to $4 million. However, it said, negotiations have yet to produce any breakthrough.