LONDON, Aug 29, 2026: Pakistan will not pay ransom for the release of 10 Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates and is pursuing an international response through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Dar said Pakistan was following international maritime principles that discourage ransom payments in hostage situations.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 addressed a press conference at Pakistan High Commission in London. @PakistaninUK pic.twitter.com/Uvkz9MdLZY
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 29, 2026
He said Pakistan and the IMO had also developed a strategy to address the case, following his meeting earlier this week with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in London.
The 10 Pakistanis are part of the crew of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25, which was hijacked off Somalia’s Puntland region on April 21. The vessel’s crew includes 17 people.
Pakistan has been seeking the intervention of international maritime institutions for the sailors’ safe release. The Foreign Office said Dar asked the IMO secretary-general during their meeting for urgent and effective institutional intervention in the case.
The discussions also covered maritime safety and security, regulatory reforms and Pakistan’s cooperation with the IMO in developing its blue economy, according to the Foreign Office.
The hostage case has involved diplomatic contacts with Somali authorities as well as international maritime organisations. Pakistan has said its ambassador accredited to Somalia is also engaged with relevant authorities on the matter.
Dar’s remarks on Saturday establish Islamabad’s position on ransom payments while the government continues diplomatic efforts for the sailors’ release.
The IMO is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of marine pollution from ships. Pakistan’s engagement with the organisation forms part of its wider cooperation on maritime affairs.
