KARACHI – Web Desk: Forty days have passed since Somali pirates seized the oil tanker ‘Honour 25’, yet all 17 hostages — including 10 Pakistani nationals — remain in captivity, according to diplomatic sources.
The tanker was hijacked on April 21 off the coast of Somalia’s Puntland region . The crew comprises 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, and one Myanmar national . The vessel remains anchored near the Somali coast, with all crew members still held by the pirates.
Negotiations Stalled Over Ransom
The pirates initially demanded a $1 million ransom but have since increased their demand to $4 million . Negotiations between the pirates, the vessel’s owner, and Somali authorities have yet to yield a breakthrough . According to reports, the pirates have rejected third-party mediation and have requested direct talks with the Pakistani government .
Dire Conditions on Board
Families of the hostages have expressed extreme distress, with reports suggesting that food supplies and medicines have run out. The crew is reportedly surviving on minimal food, including only one serving of boiled rice per day, and has been forced to drink contaminated water due to lack of clean supplies, leading to illness among the hostages .
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The Somali government has assured Pakistan of full cooperation and has sent formal communication pledging continued efforts to secure the hostages’ release through contacts with the pirates . Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed ongoing coordination with Somali authorities, while the ship’s owner remains engaged with the captors . The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for urgent action, describing the conditions on board as “unacceptable” .
The hijacking has raised broader concerns over a potential resurgence of Somali piracy, which had peaked in 2011 with over 200 attacks . Maritime intelligence analysts note that naval patrols have been stretched thin due to the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, creating an opportunity for pirate activity to rebound .
