Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts for the safe and early release of Pakistani citizens held hostage by Somali pirates on a cargo ship for nearly 50 days, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, addressing his weekly media briefing in Islamabad, said the government is taking serious steps to ensure the hostages’ safe recovery and return.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is in contact with the Somali leadership over the matter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with the Somali foreign minister and raised the issue of the Pakistani hostages.
Andrabi said Pakistan stressed the need for the early and safe release of the hostages and also called for better living conditions for all personnel being held.
Somali envoy summoned to Foreign Office
The spokesperson said the Somali ambassador in Islamabad was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Pakistan demanded the immediate release of the hostages. He said Pakistan’s Embassy in Djibouti has also sent teams to contact relevant authorities in Mogadishu.
According to Andrabi, Islamabad remains in close contact with Somali authorities and the owner of the ship to secure the release of the Pakistani citizens.
The spokesperson said Pakistan has also contacted tribal leaders in Puntland who may have links with the pirates. Consultations are continuing, he added, as Pakistan works through diplomatic and regional channels to secure the hostages’ safe release.
More important inter-ministerial meetings will be held at the Foreign Office next week to review the issue and coordinate further action.
Andrabi said the government had expressed full sympathy and solidarity with the hostages and their families. He said Islamabad is making continuous efforts for the release of the Pakistani citizens and their safe return home.
Call for diplomacy amid regional tensions
The Foreign Office also expressed deep concern over recent tensions in the region and called for a diplomatic solution.
The spokesperson said Pakistan has reiterated its support for all parties to abide by the ceasefire and resolve disputes through dialogue.
He added that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held important meetings with the Iranian leadership in Tehran this week as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan rejects comparison on Kashmir
Responding to remarks about Kashmir, Andrabi said describing the situation in India-held Kashmir and Azad Jammu and Kashmir as equal is wrong and misleading. He said Indian-occupied Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory.
The spokesperson said the Kashmiri people must be given their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
Pakistan remains committed to its position based on UN resolutions for the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute, he added. Andrabi said Azad Jammu and Kashmir functions under a constitutional and democratic system.
Concern over India’s strategic capabilities
The Foreign Office expressed concern over India’s alleged nuclear development and the expansion of its strategic capabilities. The spokesperson said Pakistan is closely monitoring the increase in India’s strategic capabilities.
He added that Pakistan is keeping a close watch on developments that may affect regional strategic stability.
The spokesperson said the situation in the Middle East remains a matter of close attention for Pakistan. He said Islamabad has adopted a cautious but positive approach and remains continuously engaged in diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan has been urging dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions in the region.
Water as pressure tool
The Foreign Office spokesperson said using water as a political pressure tool or weapon is unacceptable. He warned that such steps could pose a serious threat to peace and security in the region.
Andrabi said Pakistan’s rights and interests related to water resources are inalienable. He said Pakistan will defend its water rights at all levels through diplomatic, legal and political means.
Any attempt to block Pakistan’s water would be considered a very serious move and could have serious and far-reaching consequences, the spokesperson warned.
He said Pakistan is committed to protecting the interests and national security of its 250 million people.
The Foreign Office spokesperson also confirmed that the Lebanese army chief visited Pakistan. He said the visit formed part of Pakistan’s wider diplomatic and defence engagements with friendly countries.
