Govt Pursues Release of 10 Hostages in Somalia: Tarar

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly that the government is actively working through diplomatic channels to secure the release of 10 Pakistani citizens held hostage in Somalia. The Honour 25 oil tanker, sailing under Somali flag from Oman to Somalia, was hijacked by pirates on April 21 with 17 crew members aboard; 10 were Pakistani nationals.

In video and audio messages, the hostages reported that food supplies and medicines had run out, leaving them only one serving of boiled rice per day. They also said they were drinking contaminated water due to lack of clean drinking water, causing illnesses among them.

Responding to a point raised by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Abdul Qadir Patel during House proceedings, the minister said the government took immediate notice of the matter as soon as it was brought before Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had already contacted his Somali counterpart Abdisalam Abdi Ali to discuss the issue. The Foreign Office has remained fully engaged and issued statements regarding the situation.

Dar held a phone call last week with Abdi Ali, conveying Pakistan’s “grave” concern over the hostages’ well-being and emphasizing their early release and safe repatriation. Ali assured Dar of Somalia’s “continued and sincere efforts” to secure the hostages’ release at the earliest opportunity.

Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch was in continuous contact with relevant Somali authorities, while Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti closely monitored developments and coordinated efforts for the hostages’ release. Tarar said that the hostages were not being held by the Somali government but by another group, making it challenging to determine their exact whereabouts and secure their immediate release.

The minister assured Parliament and the public of the government’s commitment to securing the hostages’ release and promised regular updates on any significant progress. He emphasized that these are Pakistani citizens whose safety is a matter of serious concern for the government.