Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on his Somali counterpart for the urgent release of Pakistani sailors kidnapped by pirates. PHOTO: FILE
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for the early release of sailors held hostage off the coast of Somalia in a phone call with his Somali counterpart Abdisalam Abdi Ali.
FM Dar expressed Pakistan’s “grave” concern over the situation and stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare of the hostages, their early release and their safe repatriation, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, spoke with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali @AbdisalamDhaay to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of Pakistani hostages aboard the MT Honor 25. Pakistan has 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 as soon as possible.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the issue is resolved.
Learn more: Government steps up efforts to free crew held hostage by Somali pirates
Eleven Pakistani nationals were taken hostage aboard the MT Honor 25 when the vessel was hijacked off the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21.
The Pakistani sailors, along with other members of the ship’s crew, remain in captivity.
The Somali foreign minister also “welcomed” Pakistan’s “constructive” mediation and diplomatic efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
