Islamabad Expands Diplomatic Efforts to Bring 10 Pakistani Seafarers Home

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken its diplomatic efforts for the safe return of 10 Pakistani seafarers aboard MT Honour 25 to the International Maritime Organization, underscoring Islamabad’s push to use international institutions to address the months-long maritime case.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar raised the matter directly with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a meeting in London, calling for “urgent and effective institutional intervention” for the early return of the seafarers.

The intervention represents the latest stage of diplomatic efforts being coordinated from Islamabad over the Pakistani nationals, who are among the crew of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25.

The vessel was seized on April 21 off Somalia’s Puntland region. Recent reports say 10 Pakistani nationals remain among those being held aboard the tanker, prompting growing concern among their families and calls for intensified government efforts.

Pakistan Seeks International Intervention

The London meeting also broadened the discussion beyond the immediate case.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the IMO and acknowledged the organisation’s role as the principal international regulatory body for safe, secure and efficient international shipping.

According to the official account of the meeting, Pakistan and the IMO discussed deeper cooperation in maritime safety and security, regulatory reforms and development of Pakistan’s maritime sector. Dar also highlighted Islamabad’s efforts to strengthen maritime governance, implement international standards and expand the country’s blue economy.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensified

Seen from Islamabad, the engagement reflects two parallel diplomatic priorities: securing the return of Pakistani citizens while strengthening Pakistan’s voice in the international institutions responsible for maritime governance.

The government had already intensified diplomatic engagement over the case before Dar travelled to Britain.

On August 13, Dar chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad and directed relevant authorities to maintain close coordination and increase diplomatic engagement with international partners, particularly Somali authorities and relevant international organisations.

His subsequent meeting with the IMO chief effectively elevated those efforts to the leadership of the UN specialised agency responsible for international shipping.

Case Highlights Maritime Security Challenges

The case also highlights the increasingly transnational nature of maritime security. Pakistani citizens working aboard internationally registered vessels can be exposed to security challenges far beyond the country’s territorial waters, making cooperation with foreign governments and multilateral institutions critical when emergencies arise.

For Islamabad, the issue therefore carries both a humanitarian and diplomatic dimension.

Pakistan’s engagement with the IMO also comes as the government seeks to develop the country’s maritime economy and strengthen compliance with international shipping standards. The discussion in London linked those longer-term objectives with immediate maritime security concerns.

Dar’s UK Visit Continues

Dar’s IMO meeting forms part of his wider official visit to the United Kingdom from August 24 to 28. His programme includes engagements with senior British officials as well as Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, according to the announced itinerary.

Safe Return Remains Priority

The diplomatic push over MT Honour 25 will nevertheless be judged primarily by its outcome: the safe return of the Pakistani seafarers after more than four months away from their families.

For Islamabad, bringing the case before the IMO leadership signals an effort to move beyond bilateral contacts and mobilise international institutional support for their return.