Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar has called his Somali counterpart Abdisalam Abdi Ali, pressing for the release of Pakistani seamen held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia since April.
Dar conveyed Pakistan’s concern over the situation and stressed the need to ensure the hostages’ well-being, early release and safe repatriation, a statement from the Foreign Office (FO) said.
Ali assured Dar of Somalia’s continued efforts to secure their release at the earliest as both sides agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter is resolved.
The Somali foreign minister also commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts toward a negotiated settlement to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
As many as 11 Pakistani nationals were taken hostage aboard the MT Honour 25 when the vessel was hijacked off the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21.
The seamen, along with the rest of the crew, remain in captivity while their families have reportedly been contacted by the pirates asking for ransom.
