Pakistan ministers discuss release of seamen held by Somali pirates

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday to accelerate efforts for the safe release of 11 Pakistani seamen. Pirates seized the MT Honour 25 off Somalia's coast over a month ago, on April 21.

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Need to expedite efforts for the fast and safe release of the Pakistani crew was stressed.

The ministry stated that Chaudhry emphasized the need to expedite efforts for the crew's fast and safe release. He assured that the government initiated release efforts soon after learning of the incident in April and remains in contact with the Pakistani foreign ministry and the Somali embassy.

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We remain in touch with the Pakistan foreign ministry and the Somalian embassy.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed last week that Islamabad is actively engaged in securing the seafarers' release. He acknowledged the situation remains grave, noting that negotiations with pirates, conducted with the Somali government's knowledge, are complicated. "The geographical circumstances, coupled with the fact that the ship is carrying highly explosive cargo, make any law-enforcement operation to secure the release of the captives extremely difficult," Andrabi explained, highlighting Pakistan's priority to avoid endangering the captives.

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The geographical circumstances, coupled with the fact that the ship is carrying highly explosive cargo, make any law-enforcement operation to secure the release of the captives extremely difficult.

Both the Somali government and the ship owner have been urged to ensure the hostages receive food, water, and other necessities. Andrabi assured the media of the government's full attention and concern. Hijackings off Somalia have raised concerns about a potential resurgence of pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean, which peaked in 2011.

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Unfortunately, the situation remains grave.