# Pakistan maritime hostage crisis negotiations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-maritime-hostage-crisis-negotiations
> Updated: 2026-08-24T12:16:21.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to the United Kingdom for a five-day official visit to address a maritime hostage crisis. The mission focuses on the safety and release of ten Pakistani sailors detained aboard the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Puntland in April 2026.

During meetings in London, Dar requested urgent intervention from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General to ensure the safe return of the crew. The vessel’s crew includes ten Pakistanis, seven Indonesians, one Indian, and one Sri Lankan. Reports indicate that negotiations have stalled four months after the hijacking, with ransom demands reaching approximately $3 million and the crew reporting shortages of food, clean water, and essential medicines. 

Beyond the hostage crisis, Dar’s diplomatic efforts included discussions with UK officials and the Commonwealth Secretary-General to strengthen bilateral ties regarding trade, counterterrorism, and maritime security.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Pakistan seeks IMO help to release 10 hijacked seafarers

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged the IMO to intervene for the release of 10 Pakistani sailors hijacked aboard the MT Honour 25 near Somalia in April.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-seeks-imo-help-to-release-10-hijacked-seafarers

### 2026-08-23: Ishaq Dar begins five-day UK visit to address maritime hostage crisis

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is on a five-day UK visit to discuss the release of Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates and to strengthen bilateral security and trade cooperation.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ishaq-dar-to-visit-uk-to-discuss-maritime-hostage-crisis

---
Cite as: Pakistan maritime hostage crisis negotiations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-maritime-hostage-crisis-negotiations
