Families Protest in Karachi for Release of Pakistani Seamen Held by Somali Pirates

Families of ten Pakistani seamen held hostage by Somali pirates staged a protest in Karachi, demanding urgent government intervention to secure their release. The crew members are aboard the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker hijacked near Somalia’s Puntland region on April 21. Protesters, including women and children, expressed severe distress over the prolonged captivity, citing mental health impacts and deteriorating physical conditions of the hostages, who reportedly face shortages of food and clean water. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed that pirates have not contacted the government directly; instead, negotiations are being conducted by the ship’s owner in coordination with Somali authorities. While a Pakistani embassy team in Djibouti received assurances that the hostages are safe, Somali forces cannot storm the vessel due to the risk of igniting its flammable cargo. This incident highlights a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden amid regional instability, raising concerns for maritime security and shipping routes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation through diplomatic and maritime channels as families await news of their loved ones' safe return.