Pakistan has asked the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to urgently help secure the release and safe return of 10 Pakistani seafarers being held aboard the MT Honour 25.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar made the request during a meeting with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in London, according to a statement shared by the Foreign Office on X.
The MT Honour 25, a product tanker sailing under the Palau flag, was seized on April 21 about 30 nautical miles off Somalia’s Puntland region. There were 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, met Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), today in London. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to the IMO and appreciated its… pic.twitter.com/9W66VUIF2l
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 24, 2026
The families of the Pakistani crew members have expressed growing concern for their loved ones and urged the government to step up efforts to ensure their safe return.
During his meeting with Dominguez, Dar thanked him for supporting efforts to secure the release of the 10 Pakistani seafarers. He also called for urgent and effective institutional action to help ensure their early return.
The foreign minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to the IMO and appreciated the organization’s role in promoting safe, secure and efficient international shipping.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to improve maritime governance, follow international maritime standards and further develop the country’s blue economy.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the IMO in areas including maritime safety and security, regulatory reforms and the development of Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Piracy was a major problem off the coast of Somalia during the 2000s and reached its peak in 2011, when hundreds of attacks were reported.
The threat later declined significantly following international naval operations and stronger security measures adopted by commercial shipping operators.
However, attacks have increased again in recent weeks, according to a report by the European Union naval mission operating off Somalia’s coast.
Operation Atalanta, the EU naval force for Somalia, monitored three attacks in late April, according to the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean, its information service.
Shipping activity in the region has also been disrupted since Feb. 28 because of the US-Israeli war against Iran. However, there was no immediate indication that the hijacking of the MT Honour 25 was linked to the conflict.
