The issue of Pakistani Hostages Held by Somali Pirates remains a top priority for Islamabad, with the government intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure their safe release. During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan is actively engaging with Somali authorities and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.
According to the Foreign Office, several Pakistani citizens have been held captive for nearly 50 days after being taken hostage aboard a cargo vessel. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has personally raised the issue with Somalia’s foreign minister, who assured Pakistan of full cooperation in efforts to free the captives.
Officials said progress has been slower than expected due to the complexity of the situation. The vessel is reportedly located in a region where tribal dynamics and multiple local actors make negotiations particularly challenging. Despite these obstacles, authorities say the safety of the Pakistani Hostages Held by Somali Pirates remains the government’s highest concern.
The spokesperson noted that the cargo ship carried crew members from multiple countries, making the issue an international humanitarian concern. Pakistan has remained in contact with the vessel’s owner while coordinating with relevant authorities to explore every possible avenue for a peaceful resolution.
Separately, the Foreign Office expressed concern over rising tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan called on all parties to exercise restraint and emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing regional disputes. Senior Pakistani officials have recently held discussions with counterparts in Iran and Türkiye regarding the evolving situation.
The spokesperson said Pakistan supports ceasefire efforts and believes that negotiations remain the most effective path toward lasting regional stability. Islamabad continues to engage with friendly countries and regional partners to encourage peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts.
Addressing the Kashmir issue, Andrabi rejected recent Indian statements regarding the disputed territory. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute and called for a resolution in line with United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The government said it will continue pursuing diplomatic efforts on both regional and humanitarian issues, including the release of the Pakistani Hostages Held by Somali Pirates.
