Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has directed to intensify efforts for the safe and early release of ten Pakistani hostages hijacked by pirates off the Somali coast.
He was chairing a high-level meeting to review the matter in Islamabad today.
Ishaq Dar instructed all relevant stakeholders to maintain close and regular coordination and intensify diplomatic engagement with national and international partners, including the Somali authorities and relevant international organizations, to facilitate the safe release of Pakistani citizens.
He expressed solidarity with the families of the hostages and reiterated that the Government of Pakistan remains fully seized of the situation.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that sustained and coordinated engagement will lead to a positive outcome and the safe return of the Pakistani citizens to their families.
The Pakistani citizens were aboard MT Honour 25, which was hijacked by pirates.
