Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review Pakistan’s intensified efforts for the safe and early release of 10 Pakistani nationals held hostage aboard MT Honour 25 following the vessel’s hijacking by pirates off the Somali coast.

The meeting reviewed the latest developments and measures being taken by the government to secure the safe release of the Pakistani citizens.

Dar directed all relevant stakeholders to maintain close and regular coordination and further intensify diplomatic engagement with national and international partners. He particularly called for continued engagement with the Somali authorities and relevant international organisations to facilitate the safe recovery of the hostages.

The deputy prime minister expressed solidarity with the families of the Pakistani nationals and assured them that the government remained fully seized of the situation.

He stressed the importance of sustained and coordinated efforts to secure a positive outcome, expressing hope that ongoing diplomatic engagement would lead to the safe return of all 10 Pakistani citizens to their families.