40 days in captivity
KARACHI
Nearly a dozen Pakistani crew members taken hostage by Somali pirates aboard an oil tanker remain in captivity 40 days after the vessel was hijacked off the Somali coast. According to diplomatic sources, the tanker, Honour 25, was seized 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. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs had confirmed the incident, saying that immediate steps were initiated to ensure the safe recovery of the crew.
Despite efforts to secure their release, no crew members have been freed so far. Diplomatic sources said the vessel remains anchored off the Somali coast while negotiations continue. According to the sources, the Somali government is communicating with the pirates through the owner of Honour 25 in an attempt to secure the release of the hostages.
