ISLAMABAD, June 4 (Alliance News): Pakistan on Thursday said it is making continuous efforts to secure the release of its nationals held aboard an oil tanker hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia, while stressing that no action would be taken that could endanger the lives of the hostages.
Addressing a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the release of 10 Pakistani crew members aboard the tanker Honour 25 has not yet been secured, but the government remains actively engaged in efforts to resolve the situation.
According to diplomatic sources, the tanker was hijacked by pirates on April 21 while sailing near Somalia. A total of 17 crew members were taken hostage, including 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian and one Myanmar national.
Andrabi said all relevant government institutions, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, are closely coordinating on the matter. He added that Pakistani authorities are in constant contact with the ship’s owner and other stakeholders to facilitate the safe release of the crew.
He said Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Somalia and the country’s ambassador in Djibouti are continuously monitoring developments. A team from the Pakistani Embassy also visited Mogadishu to gather first-hand information regarding the incident.
The spokesperson noted that the situation is particularly sensitive because the vessel is carrying highly dangerous and explosive cargo, making any rescue or intervention operation extremely complicated.
Pakistan has urged the Somali authorities and the ship owner to ensure the hostages are provided with essential supplies, including food and drinking water, while negotiations and efforts for their release continue.
Andrabi acknowledged the concerns of the families of the hostages and assured them that the government is fully aware of their difficulties. He said the safe release of the crew remains among Pakistan’s highest priorities and that the matter is under constant review.
Concern Over Proposed Indian Water Projects
Commenting on water-related issues with India, Andrabi expressed concern over reports that India has invited bids for the proposed Chenab-Uplink Tunnel project, which aims to divert approximately 1.9 million acre-feet of water annually from the Chenab River to the Beas system.
He said the proposed project, along with planned silt-flushing activities at the Salal Dam, could violate the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty and provide India with undue control over water flows. According to the spokesperson, Pakistan was neither formally notified nor consulted regarding the plans.
He warned that any attempt to divert Pakistan’s share of water could have serious implications for the country’s economy, food security and regional stability. Pakistan has urged the international community to encourage India to fully implement its obligations under the treaty and refrain from unilateral actions.
Pakistan Seeks Afghan Action Against Cross-Border Terrorism
The Foreign Office spokesperson also discussed relations with Afghanistan, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy. However, he stressed that attacks on Pakistani citizens and security personnel originating from Afghan territory could no longer be tolerated.
Andrabi urged the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used by terrorist groups to carry out attacks against Pakistan. He said Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to Kabul and to international partners, including China.
He added that regional security challenges and terrorism-related threats were also discussed extensively during the recent Pakistan-European Union strategic dialogue, reflecting the importance of coordinated efforts to address security concerns in the region.
