ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Somalia have discussed ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the Pakistani hostages aboard a hijacked vessel near the Somali coast.
The matter was discussed during a phone call between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Ali, on Tuesday, according to the Foreign Office.
Pakistan has been actively engaging with Somali authorities following the hijacking of the MT Honour 25 vessel off the Somali coast in April 2026.
Ishaq Dar conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over the situation and underscored the importance of ensuring the hostages’ well-being, their early release, and safe repatriation.
“FM Abdisalam Ali assured him of his government’s continued and sincere efforts to secure the hostages’ release at the earliest opportunity. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter is resolved,” the Foreign Office said.
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 the MT Honour 25. Pakistan has been actively… pic.twitter.com/WAEfPvzKW8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 9, 2026
The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in Pakistan-Somalia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The Somali foreign minister also praised Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
The seamen were taken hostage more than a month ago when armed pirates hijacked the MT Honour 25 off the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21. There were 11 Pakistanis among the vessel’s crew, who remain in the pirates’ captivity.
Last week, the Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi had said that Islamabad remained “actively engaged” in efforts to secure the release of the seafarers.
“Unfortunately, the situation remains grave,” Andrabi acknowledged when asked about the latest update on the situation during a weekly FO briefing.
“Pakistan remains in contact with the ship owner, who is the principal negotiator with the pirates. These negotiations have been taking place with the knowledge of the Somali government,” the FO spokesperson stated.
Recent hijackings off the coast of Somalia have raised concerns about a possible resurgence of piracy in the Indian Ocean. Somali pirate activity reached its peak in 2011, when armed groups carried out attacks across vast stretches of the region, targeting vessels as far as 3,655 kilometres from Somalia’s coastline.
