Pakistan Urges Diplomatic Push for Sailors Held in Somalia
Pakistan Escalates Diplomatic Efforts to Free Sailors Held by Somali Pirates
SAILORS HELD BY SOMALI PIRATES
Illustration concept: A realistic editorial photo showing a commercial oil tanker in open ocean waters near the Horn of Africa, soft dramatic sunlight, marine rescue concept, high resolution.
AI summary
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 10 Pakistani crew members held hostage by Somali pirates since April. The sailors were captured aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25 alongside crew from Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Why this matters
The ongoing hostage crisis highlights persistent maritime security vulnerabilities off the Horn of Africa, putting merchant seafarers' lives at risk. Prolonged captivity without movement on negotiations underscores the operational and diplomatic complexities of managing piratical ransom demands in international waters.
Key takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar ordered stepped-up diplomatic efforts to rescue 10 Pakistani hostages.
- The crew members were captured aboard the Palau-flagged MT Honour 25 off Puntland, Somalia, on April 21.
- A total of 19 crew members remain in captivity, including nationals from Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.
- Pirates are reportedly seeking a $3 million ransom, with no breakthroughs in talks after more than three months.
Pakistani authorities are ramping up international diplomatic engagements to secure the safe return of 10 Pakistani seafarers held by Somali pirates for over three months. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar instructed relevant departments on Thursday to strengthen coordination with both domestic and foreign allies to resolve the hostage crisis.
The seafarers were part of the crew aboard the MT Honour 25, an oil tanker registered under the flag of Palau. Armed Somali pirates hijacked the vessel off the coast of Puntland on April 21. Alongside the Pakistani nationals, the captured crew includes seven Indonesian citizens, including the ship's captain, as well as one Indian and one Sri Lankan sailor.
Negotiations for the release of the crew have stalled, with reports indicating that pirates are demanding a ransom of approximately $3 million. According to details reported by Dawn Pakistan, no meaningful progress has been made toward securing their freedom or finalizing ransom arrangements since the seizure occurred.
The Pakistani government's latest directive aims to mobilize international partners and regional security networks to establish lines of communication and expedite a resolution for the crew, whose prolonged captivity continues to raise severe humanitarian concerns.
Frequently asked questions
- Who directed the increased diplomatic efforts to free the Pakistani sailors?
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar instructed national and international stakeholders to step up coordination and diplomatic outreach.
- What vessel was hijacked by Somali pirates and when?
- The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, was hijacked off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, on April 21.
- How many total hostages are aboard the captured vessel?
- There are 19 crew members held hostage, comprising 10 Pakistanis, seven Indonesians, one Indian, and one Sri Lankan.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Dawn Pakistan
- Original publication:
- Aug 13, 2026, 12:35 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 13, 2026, 12:35 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 13, 2026, 12:45 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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