111 days and counting

Pakistan continues to receive praise from the international community for emerging as a central intermediary in the US-Iran war. Its diplomacy and ability to facilitate dialogue are being widely commended. However, standing in stark contrast to this image is the Pakistan government's attitude toward rescuing the 10 Pakistani citizens aboard a hijacked, Palau-flagged tanker. It has been over 100 days - 111 to be exact - since they had been taken hostage by Somali pirates, yet the government has apparently made no serious effort to secure its people and bring them home.

Like many other pressing issues, the plea for their recovery gained traction on social media and mainstream media, only to eventually fade away without a conclusive resolution. Both the public and the government seem to have forgotten them, leaving their families worried sick. According to a family member, the captives' conditions are worsening due to a lack of proper nutrition, resulting in infections and severe weakness.

A recent distress call - the first made in quite some time - has brought this matter back to the forefront. According to authorities, the kidnapped crew does not fall under the state's jurisdiction because they were traversing waters designated as "no-go areas". With this single, simple explanation, the government has entirely abdicated its responsibility to protect its citizens.

If the government fails to claim ownership over Pakistani citizens, no matter where they are in the world, the rest of the world will follow suit. An issue that infringes upon a citizen's basic right to freedom must be treated with the severity it deserves, regardless of whether a favourable conclusion can be reached immediately. This is both a political and humanitarian emergency, and these hostages deserve to be fought for.