HRCP expresses deep alarm at the continued captivity of Pakistani crew by Somali pirates

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of Pakistani crew members aboard the MT Honor 25 by Somali pirates and demanded prompt action by the Government of Pakistan and all relevant international authorities, it said in a statement on X.

The oil tanker, MT Honor 25, operated by an Indonesian-based company, was hijacked off the coast of Somalia on 21 April. The ship has a crew of 17 members, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The ship’s captain is from Indonesia.

The post read that “Reports of hostages surviving on contaminated water and minimal food while their families suffer severe psychological distress are unacceptable”.

“We stand in solidarity with the families in Karachi who are protesting for the safe return of their loved ones and demand that the protection of Pakistani seafarers and the protection of their dignity and safety must remain an urgent national priority,” the HRCP said.

On Wednesday, families of Pakistani crew members abducted by Somali pirates expressed grave concern over the lack of government action even after 23 days after the hijacking of an oil tanker, saying no concrete efforts were being made for their safe recovery.

At a protest held at the Native Jetty Bridge, the affected families said they were unaware of any ransom demand from the pirates and had not received clear updates from the government on negotiations or rescue efforts.

“Our only demand is the safe recovery and return of our loved ones,” said a member of the protesting families, adding that the lives of the hostages remained in danger. They warned that if the Prime Minister did not take immediate notice of the situation, they would go on a hunger strike along with their children in the coming days.

The families said they had recently managed to speak with the abducted crew members, who reported worsening conditions on board the vessel. “They told us that their hope of survival is dwindling, food and water have run out and their condition is extremely critical,” they said.

They demanded the immediate appointment of a government-level contact person, the activation of diplomatic channels and swift steps for the recovery of the hostages.

The children of the abducted sailors made an emotional appeal for the return of their fathers, uncles and relatives on Eidul Azha.

Read: Sailors’ families protest as Somalia ship hijacking begins 23rd day

Earlier on April 30, the State Department said it was in contact with the Somali government about the hostage crisis involving Pakistani sailors aboard a hijacked oil tanker, adding that it believed the crew members were safe.

Spokesman Tahir Andrabi said the oil tanker “Honor 25” was hijacked by pirates near Somalia’s southeastern coast on April 21 while transporting oil to the Puntland region. The ship had 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.

He said Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti had approached the Somali authorities, including its foreign ministry, and was informed that the vessel was anchored off the coast of Eyl in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia.

“We have reasonable grounds to believe that our crew members are safe,” the FO said, adding that the Somali Foreign Ministry had been “very cooperative” and was closely monitoring the situation.