MOGADISHU, Somalia — Pakistan says it is in close contact with Somalia’s government after pirates hijacked an oil tanker off Somalia.
The Foreign Ministry said armed pirates seized the vessel last week, taking 11 Pakistani sailors and the ship’s Indonesian captain hostage at sea.
Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan is working with Somali authorities to secure release of the crew and ensure their safe return.
He added Somalia has pledged full cooperation and provided written assurances supporting coordinated rescue efforts to free the hijacked tanker crew.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan raised the issue directly with Somali officials after confirmation that its citizens were among those abducted.
Families of the kidnapped sailors have appealed to Pakistan’s prime minister and naval chief for urgent action to secure their release.
The incident has renewed concerns about piracy off Somalia’s coast, where attacks peaked in 2011 before declining due to naval patrols.
The hijacking comes amid regional tensions affecting global shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit corridor.
Andrabi described the strait as vital for global maritime trade, warning disruptions would have severe worldwide economic consequences across supply chains.
He called for restoring normal maritime traffic and said Pakistan supports international efforts aimed at reducing tensions across the wider region.
He also said diplomatic efforts are ongoing involving multiple parties, with proposals discussed to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
