Maritime minister, Dar discuss release of Pakistani seamen held by Somali pirates

ISLAMABAD: Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday spoke by telephone with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar about efforts to secure the release of Pakistani seamen being held by Somali pirates, according to a statement issued by the maritime affairs ministry.

The ministry said the crew members were taken hostage more than a month ago after armed pirates hijacked MT Honour 25 off Somalia’s southeastern coast on April 21. It said 11 Pakistanis were among the vessel’s crew and remain in captivity.

According to the statement, Chaudhry also contacted Pakistan’s envoy in Somalia over the matter. It said the need to speed up efforts for the crew’s quick and safe release was emphasized.

In the statement, Chaudhry said efforts to secure the crew’s release began soon after information about the incident was received in April. The minister added that the government remained in contact with the foreign ministry and the Somalian embassy, and was working for the safe return of the seamen.