Maritime affairs minister steps up efforts to free Pakistani seamen held by Somali pirates
Key takeaways
- The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged product tanker, was seized on April 21, approximately 30 nautical miles off Somalia's Puntland region, with 17 crew members aboard, 10 of them Pakistani, Reuters reported.
- During the discussions, he stressed the need to expedite efforts aimed at securing the prompt and safe release of the Pakistani crew members.
- The minister said humanitarian efforts were launched immediately after authorities were informed of the incident in April.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Home latest pakistan world sports showbiz entertainment Royal business health Sci-Tech Food Fact Check big picture Videos shows Watch LIVE TV X Home Latest Pakistan World Sports Showbiz Fact Check big picture Videos Shows LIVE TV Pakistan Maritime affairs minister steps up efforts to free Pakistani seamen held by Somali pirates Minister remained in contact with foreign ministry, Somali embassy to resolve situation, reads statement By Web Desk | Published June 08, 2026
Islamabad has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Pakistani crew members being held hostage by pirates aboard a vessel off Somalia, with Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry urging accelerated measures to ensure their early and safe return.
The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged product tanker, was seized on April 21, approximately 30 nautical miles off Somalia's Puntland region, with 17 crew members aboard, 10 of them Pakistani, Reuters reported.