Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry urges swift action as negotiations for the release of 10 Pakistani crew members continue.
Image:Al Jazeera
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Pakistani crew members held hostage aboard the tanker Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia.
The minister held talks with Ishaq Dar and Somalia’s ambassador to Pakistan, stressing the need for the crew’s safe and early return.
The Palau-flagged tanker was hijacked on April 21 near Somalia’s Puntland region. Of the 17 crew members on board, 10 are Pakistani.
According to officials, the vessel remains anchored off the Somali coast while negotiations with the pirates continue. Somali authorities are reportedly engaging the captors through the ship’s owner.
The pirates initially demanded a $10 million ransom, later lowering it to $4 million. Despite ongoing talks, no agreement has yet been reached and none of the crew members has been released.
Family members of the hostages have appealed to the government to increase efforts to bring their loved ones home safely.
Piracy off Somalia’s coast had largely declined after international naval operations improved maritime security. However, recent reports indicate a rise in attacks, raising fresh concerns for vessels operating in the region.
