Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has contacted Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Somali ambassador seeking assistance for the safe and secure return of the Pakistani crew members taken hostage by pirates, it was reported on Monday.
The maritime minister wrote the letter as diplomatic efforts have been intensified to secure the safe release of Pakistani crew members taken hostage after a pirate attack on an oil tanker near Somalia.
The minister expressed “deep concern” over the safety of the Pakistani crew, saying all possible measures were being taken to ensure their protection.
Pirates attacked and seized an oil tanker near the coast of Somalia last week, taking hostage a vessel carrying 11 Pakistani crew members.
The Somali authorities assured that Pakistan would be promptly informed of any developments regarding the vessel and its crew.
Taking notice of the incident, Junaid on April 24 directed all relevant institutions to make the rescue operation more effective.
According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, all concerned departments were in constant coordination and closely monitoring the situation.
