ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali on Tuesday to discuss efforts to secure the release of Pakistani hostages aboard a hijacked ship.
Pakistan has been in contact with Somali authorities since the vessel was hijacked off the Somali coast in April 2026.
During the call, Ishaq Dar expressed serious concern over the situation and stressed the need to ensure the hostages’ safety, early release and safe return to Pakistan. The Somali foreign minister assured him that his government was making continued and sincere efforts to secure the release of hostages at the earliest possible time. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact until the issue was resolved.
They also noted the positive momentum in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Somalia. The Somali foreign minister praised Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts in the wider regional context.
