Pakistani Seafarers Held by Somali Pirates Demand Help

A fresh distress call has been issued by crew members aboard the hijacked oil tanker MT Honour 25, urging the Pakistani government to step in after more than 100 days in captivity off the African coast. The appeal, recorded in video footage dated August 7 and broadcast on DawnNewsTV, highlights the grave situation facing those trapped on board.

The Palau-registered vessel was intercepted by armed Somali pirates near the coastline of Puntland on April 21. Aboard the ship are between 17 and 19 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals alongside foreign crewmates, all of whom remain in pirate custody.

According to reports from Dawn World, negotiations to secure the release of the crew have stalled completely. Captors are demanding an estimated $3 million ransom, but no financial agreement or progress has been reached despite the passage of more than three months.

Escalating health concerns have added urgency to the situation, with observers and relatives increasingly worried about the physical well-being of the captives. The recently released video footage shows both Pakistani and foreign hostages appealing directly to Pakistani authorities to aid in their safe return.

Maritime security challenges off the Horn of Africa continue to pose severe threats to international shipping routes, leaving seafarers vulnerable. As the hostage crisis drags on without resolution, the crew's families await decisive diplomatic measures to break the deadlock.