Release of nationals: Actively engaged with Somalia, Cambodia govts: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office announced on Thursday that Pakistan is actively engaged with the governments of Somalia and Cambodia to secure the release of its nationals.

According to officials, over 11 Pakistanis were taken hostage by pirates off the Somali coast, while more than 84 citizens are currently in detention in Cambodia. Pakistan was talking to the Somalian government regarding the hijacking case of Pakistani sailors.

“Diplomatic efforts are under way to ensure their safe return, with the Foreign Office reiterating its assurance to protect Pakistanis,” FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday in a statement.

Last week, the authorities disclosed that pirates hijacked an oil tanker in waters close to the Somalian coast and took 11 Pakistani sailors and the Indonesian captain of the ship hostage. The FO spokesperson said that pirates were also in communication with the ship’s owner, who is reported to be a local national.

Similarly, FO revealed that about 84 Pakistanis were detained in Cambodia, including 76 men and 8 women. They are in good health, as the Cambodian authorities have granted consular access to Pakistani DHM, Bilal Mohsin. Food and proper medicines are being provided to the detainees. They were offered jobs by local companies at 500 dollars a month, the spokesperson remarked, stating that though they were on valid tourist visas, they were not supposed to work on non-immigrant visas.

After due diligence, detained Pakistanis will be brought back soon as the local authorities have assured not to launch any legal proceedings against the detainees. He advised Pakistanis not to become victims of scammers.

Updating the media regarding Pakistanis detained in Kampala, Tahir Andrabi said in a statement that over 27 Pakistanis are set to leave Uganda for Pakistan on Thursday.

Around 30 others are also willing to arrange their air tickets soon. Rest will also leave, as they are on visit visas, he added.

The immigration authorities have penalised each financial penalty. However, our Embassy team is discussing the matter with Ugandan authorities to get it waived off.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026