Somalia: Families of Pakistani sailors held hostage for 23 days make a desperate plea for their release

The families of ten Pakistani sailors held hostage by Somali pirates for 23 days have made an urgent appeal to authorities to expedite efforts to secure their release. The relatives say they are living in constant anguish as the situation on board the ship remains critical and contact with the crew is extremely limited.

In Karachi, several relatives demonstrated to demand the safe return of the sailors. Among them was Ambreen Fatima, wife of one of the crew members, who came with her children to denounce the perceived inaction and call for more effective intervention from the authorities. She stated that she has been experiencing a very difficult family situation since her husband's abduction.

The Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Honour 25 was captured on April 21 approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of the Puntland region of Somalia. On board were 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The vessel was hijacked by pirates while sailing in an area known for maritime piracy.

According to information relayed by the families and Pakistani authorities, conditions on board are extremely precarious. The hostages are reportedly surviving on limited rations of rice and are being forced to drink contaminated water from the ship's tanks. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs also indicates that no direct contact has been established between the pirates and Pakistan, while negotiations are said to be underway with the ship's owner.

Ambreen Fatima stated that the stress of the situation had taken a serious toll on her family. Her daughter was reportedly hospitalized for two days, while her 16-year-old son, in the middle of exams, was having difficulty concentrating. She described him as a teenager completely consumed by worry for his father.

She added that the last authorized video call between the hostages and their families was six days ago. During that call, her husband, who serves as the ship's second engineer, did not appear to be in good health, she said. The families are now calling for swift action to secure the sailors' release and end this prolonged hostage situation.