Law Minister says Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti coordinating efforts as pirates hold crew of hijacked oil tanker.
Image: The Nation
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the National Assembly on Tuesday that the government is actively pursuing diplomatic channels to secure the release of 10 Pakistani nationals held hostage in Somalia.
The seamen were part of the crew aboard the oil tanker Honour 25, which was hijacked by pirates on April 21 while sailing from Oman to Somalia.
Tarar said Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti is closely monitoring the situation, while the Foreign Office remains engaged with Somali authorities to ensure the hostages’ safe release.
He added that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has also raised the issue with his Somali counterpart, who assured continued efforts to resolve the matter.
Officials say the hostages are being held by a non-state armed group, making their location and recovery more difficult.
The government has assured Parliament that it will continue to update lawmakers as progress is made in efforts to secure the safe return of the Pakistani crew.
