Pakistan intensifies diplomatic efforts for release of citizens held hostage by Somali pirates

Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has shared important details regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy, the regional situation, and Pakistani citizens currently held hostage abroad.

During the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson confirmed that a number of Pakistani nationals have been taken hostage by Somali pirates. He revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has formally contacted Somalia’s Foreign Minister regarding the matter.

According to the spokesperson, the Somali Foreign Minister assured Pakistan of full cooperation in securing the safe release of the kidnapped citizens.

Tahir Andrabi stated that the Pakistani nationals have been held captive for nearly 50 days. He added that the Government of Pakistan remains in close contact with the owner of the cargo vessel involved in an effort to resolve the issue as soon as possible. However, progress has remained limited due to the complexity of the situation.

He explained that the hostage crisis is highly sensitive and complicated because it involves a semi-autonomous tribal region where multiple parties are involved, making negotiations more challenging. Despite these difficulties, the safety and early release of Pakistani citizens remain the government’s top priority.

The spokesperson said the hostages are aboard a cargo ship and include crew members from several other countries as well.

He further revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Somalia’s Foreign Minister two days ago, during which both the condition of the Pakistani nationals and other hostages was discussed. Pakistan expressed serious concern over the matter and stressed the need for immediate action.

According to Andrabi, the Somali Ambassador in Islamabad was also summoned and informed of Pakistan’s concerns. In addition, several inter-ministerial meetings have been held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formulate a coordinated strategy aimed at ensuring progress in the case.

Discussing the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s position, saying that Islamabad is deeply concerned about rising tensions in the region and urges all parties to exercise restraint.

He emphasized that Pakistan supports a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to all regional disputes. In this regard, Pakistan’s leadership remains actively engaged. The Interior Minister held important meetings during his recent visit to Tehran, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the regional situation in a telephone conversation with the Turkish Foreign Minister.

The spokesperson said both leaders reaffirmed the importance of adhering to ceasefire agreements and supporting dialogue as the preferred means of resolving conflicts.

Commenting on the longstanding Kashmir dispute, Tahir Andrabi rejected recent statements and claims made by India.

He stated that Indian remarks regarding Kashmir have neither legal validity nor justification. He added that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory and that India is attempting to divert global attention from the realities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir through such statements.

The spokesperson also reminded the international community that the promise of self-determination made to the Kashmiri people under United Nations Security Council resolutions must be fulfilled. He stressed that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with those resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.