Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called on the Somali counterpart to immediately release Pakistani sailors kidnapped by pirates. PHOTO: FILE
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday requested the speedy release of sailors held hostage off Somalia during a phone call with his Somali counterpart Abdisalam Abdi Ali.
FM Dar conveyed Pakistan’s “serious” concern over the situation and stressed the importance of ensuring the hostages’ well-being, their early release and safe repatriation, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Ali @AbdisalamDhaay to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of the Pakistani hostages aboard MT Honor 25. Pakistan has been actively… pic.twitter.com/WAEfPvzKW8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 9, 2026
Ali assured Dar of Somalia’s “continued and sincere efforts” to secure the release of the hostages at the earliest opportunity.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter was resolved.
Read more: The government is stepping up its bid to free the crew held hostage by Somali pirates
Eleven Pakistani nationals were taken hostage aboard the MT Honor 25 when the vessel was hijacked off the southeast coast of Somalia on 21 April.
The Pakistani sailors, along with the ship’s other crew members, remain in captivity.
The Somali foreign minister also “praised” Pakistan’s “constructive” mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
