The government is pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 10 Pakistani hostages held in Somalia. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly that authorities remain fully engaged. The case matters because the captives face worsening humanitarian conditions and their families seek urgent intervention.
Speaking in the House, Tarar said the government acted immediately after lawmakers raised the issue. He noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted Somalia’s foreign minister to discuss the hostages’ situation. Furthermore, the Foreign Office has maintained regular engagement with Somali authorities and continues monitoring developments closely.
The hostages were among 17 crew members aboard the oil tanker Honour 25, which pirates hijacked on April 21. The vessel was travelling from Oman to Somalia under the Somali flag. According to reports from the captives, food supplies, clean drinking water, and medicines have run out. Consequently, several hostages have reportedly fallen ill while surviving on minimal rations.
Meanwhile, Tarar told lawmakers that Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch remained in constant contact with relevant officials. He added that Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti was coordinating efforts and tracking the situation. However, he acknowledged that the captives were being held by a non-state group, complicating attempts to determine their exact location and secure their immediate release.
The minister assured Parliament that the government would keep the public informed of any major developments. He stressed that the safety of the Pakistani citizens remained a top priority. Earlier, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to securing the hostages’ safe release and return home.