HRCP expresses deep alarm over continued captivity of Pakistani crew by Somali pirates
A picture of the crew members of the Honor 25 oil tanker released by Somali pirates. Photo: Express
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday expressed deep alarm over the continued captivity of Pakistani crew members aboard the MT Honour 25 by Somali pirates and demanded urgent action by the Government of Pakistan and all relevant international authorities, said in a post on X.
The oil tanker, MT Honour 25, operated by an Indonesian-based firm, was hijacked off the Somalia coast on April 21. The vessel carries a 17-member crew, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The ship’s captain is from Indonesia.
The post read that, " Reports that hostages are surviving on contaminated water and minimal food while their families endure severe psychological distress are unacceptable".
"We stand in solidarity with the families in Karachi protesting for the safe return of their loved ones and demand that the protection of Pakistani seafarers and safeguarding their dignity and safety must remain an urgent national priority," HRCP said.
HRCP is deeply alarmed by the continued captivity of Pakistani crew members aboard the MT Honour 25 by Somali pirates and demands urgent action by the Pakistan government and all relevant international authorities. Reports that hostages are surviving on contaminated water and…
On Wednesday, families of Pakistani crew members abducted by Somali pirates expressed grave concern over the lack of government action even after 23 days of the hijacking of an oil tanker, saying no concrete efforts were made for their safe recovery.
Speaking at a protest held on the Native Jetty Bridge, the affected families said they were unaware of any ransom demand by the pirates and had received no clear updates from the government regarding negotiations or rescue efforts.
“Our only demand is the safe recovery and return of our loved ones,” said one member from the protesting families, adding that the lives of the hostages remained in danger. They warned that if the prime minister did not take immediate notice of the situation, they would launch a hunger strike along with their children in the coming days.
The families said they had recently managed to speak with the abducted crew members, who reported deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel. “They told us their hope of survival is fading, food and water have run out, and their condition is extremely critical,” they said.
They demanded the immediate appointment of a government-level focal person, activation of diplomatic channels and urgent steps for the recovery of the hostages.
The children of the abducted sailors made emotional appeals for the return of their fathers, uncles, and relatives before Eidul Azha.
Read: Sailors’ families protest as Somalia ship hijacking enters 23rd day
Earlier on April 30, the Foreign Office said that it was in contact with the Somali government over the hostage crisis involving Pakistani sailors aboard a hijacked oil tanker, adding that it believed the crew members were safe.
Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the oil tanker "Honor 25" was hijacked by pirates near the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21 while carrying oil to the Puntland region. The vessel had 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.
He said Pakistan's embassy in Djibouti had approached Somali authorities, including their foreign ministry, and was informed that the vessel was anchored off the coast of Eyl in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia.
"We have fair reason to believe that our crew members are safe and secure," the FO said, adding that the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been "very cooperative" and was closely monitoring the situation.