KARACHI, May 14, 2026 — The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday expressed deep alarm over the continued captivity of Pakistani crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25 by Somali pirates and demanded urgent action by the Government of Pakistan and all relevant international authorities, the organization said in a post on social media platform X .
The oil tanker, operated by an Indonesian-based firm, was hijacked off the Somalia coast on April 21 —meaning the crew has now been held for over three weeks . The vessel carries a 17-member crew, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The ship’s captain is from Indonesia .
HRCP: Unacceptable Conditions
In its statement, the HRCP described the hostages’ plight as unacceptable.
“Reports that hostages are surviving on contaminated water and minimal food while their families endure severe psychological distress are unacceptable,” the post read .
“We stand in solidarity with the families in Karachi protesting for the safe return of their loved ones and demand that the protection of Pakistani seafarers and safeguarding their dignity and safety must remain an urgent national priority,” the HRCP added .
Families Protest, Warn of Hunger Strike
On Wednesday, families of the abducted crew members gathered for a protest on the Native Jetty Bridge in Karachi, expressing grave concern over the lack of government action even after 23 days of the hijacking .
Speaking at the protest, the affected families said they were unaware of any ransom demand by the pirates and had received no clear updates from the government regarding negotiations or rescue efforts .
“Our only demand is the safe recovery and return of our loved ones,” said one family member, adding that the lives of the hostages remained in danger . They warned that if the prime minister did not take immediate notice of the situation, they would launch a hunger strike along with their children in the coming days .
Deteriorating Conditions Aboard Vessel
The families said they had recently managed to speak with the abducted crew members, who reported that conditions aboard the vessel were worsening by the day .
“They told us their hope of survival is fading, food and water have run out, and their condition is extremely critical,” the families said .
Children of the abducted sailors made emotional appeals for the return of their fathers, uncles, and relatives before Eidul Azha, which falls in early June this year .
Families’ Demands
The protesting families demanded:
- The immediate appointment of a government-level focal person
- Activation of diplomatic channels
- Urgent steps for the recovery of the hostages
Government Response: ‘Fair Reason to Believe Crew Is Safe’
Earlier, on April 30, the Foreign Office addressed the crisis. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the oil tanker “Honour 25” was hijacked by pirates near the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21 while carrying oil to the Puntland region .
Andrabi said Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti had approached Somali authorities, including their foreign ministry, and was informed that the vessel was anchored off the coast of Eyl in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia .
“We have fair reason to believe that our crew members are safe and secure,” the FO spokesperson said at the time, adding that the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been “very cooperative” and was closely monitoring the situation .
However, families have since reported deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel, raising questions about the government’s assessment of the crew’s safety .
The Hijacking: What We Know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vessel name | MT Honour 25 |
| Hijack date | April 21, 2026 |
| Location | Off southeastern coast of Somalia |
| Operator | Indonesian-based firm |
| Crew size | 17 members |
| Pakistani crew | 10 nationals |
| Captain | Indonesian |
| Current location | Anchored off Eyl, Puntland region |
The vessel was carrying oil to the Puntland region when it was seized. No group has publicly claimed responsibility, and no ransom demand has been publicly communicated to the families .
Historical Context: Somali Piracy
Somali piracy was rampant between 2005 and 2012, with hijackings peaking in 2011 when 237 attacks were reported . International naval patrols and armed guards on commercial vessels significantly reduced incidents in subsequent years .
However, a resurgence has been observed since late 2023, driven in part by political instability in the Horn of Africa and the diversion of international naval assets to the Red Sea to counter Houthi attacks on shipping .
The hijacking of MT Honour 25 represents one of the most significant incidents involving Pakistani nationals in recent years .
What’s Next
The HRCP’s statement adds institutional weight to the families’ demands, potentially pressuring the government to take more visible action. With Eidul Azha approaching, the emotional stakes for families remain high .
The Foreign Office has not issued an updated statement since April 30. Families have demanded a government-level focal person be appointed to coordinate rescue efforts—a demand now formally echoed by the HRCP .
International naval forces operating in the region, including from the European Union’s Operation Atalanta and the US-led Combined Maritime Forces, typically have mandates to counter piracy. However, it remains unclear whether any rescue operation is being planned or negotiated .
The Pakistani government has not publicly indicated whether it is engaged in ransom negotiations or other forms of direct engagement with the pirates .
