Govt working to free Pakistanis held by Somali pirates despite complex challenges: FO

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday briefed the media on Pakistan’s foreign policy, regional developments, and efforts concerning Pakistani nationals stranded abroad.

During the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistani citizens had been taken hostage by Somali pirates and said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had formally contacted Somalia’s foreign minister over the matter.

He said the Somali foreign minister had assured Pakistan of full cooperation to secure the safe release of the abducted citizens.

According to the spokesperson, the Pakistani nationals have been held captive for nearly 50 days. He added that the Pakistani government 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 so far been limited due to the highly complex nature of the situation,” he said.

Andrabi noted that the hostage situation is particularly sensitive because it involves a semi-autonomous, tribal region where multiple actors are involved, making negotiations more complicated. Despite these challenges, he said, “the safety and early release of the Pakistani citizens remain a top priority for the government”.

He added that the hostages were aboard a cargo ship carrying crew members from several other countries as well.

The spokesperson said DPM Dar spoke by telephone with the Somali foreign minister two days ago, urging efforts to improve the situation not only for the Pakistani nationals but also for the other hostages. Pakistan conveyed its serious concern over the matter and stressed the need for immediate action.

Andrabi said the Somali ambassador in Islamabad was also summoned and informed of Pakistan’s concerns, while inter-ministerial meetings have been held at the Foreign Office to formulate a coordinated strategy for securing progress on the issue.

Concern over Middle East tensions

Addressing the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s position, saying Islamabad remains deeply concerned over rising tensions in the region and urges all parties to exercise restraint.

He said Pakistan supports a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of all regional disputes. In this regard, the country’s leadership has remained actively engaged, with the interior minister holding key meetings during a recent visit to Tehran, while DPM Dar discussed the regional situation in a telephone conversation with the Turkish foreign minister.

The spokesperson said both sides agreed that all parties should adhere to the ceasefire and support resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiations.

Rejection of India’s stance on Kashmir

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

He said India’s remarks on Kashmir carry neither legal validity nor justification.

“Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory, and such statements are an attempt by India to divert global attention from the realities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

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