- No motion risking hostages’ lives could be taken, says FO.
- Pirates seized tanker Honour 25 close to Somalia on April 21.
- 17 crew members, together with 10 Pakistanis, held hostage.
ISLAMABAD: Overseas Workplace spokesperson Tahir Andrabi mentioned that no motion could be taken that might endanger the lives of Pakistani crew being held aboard an oil tanker hijacked by pirates in Somalia.
Addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday, the spox mentioned that the discharge of 10 Pakistani crew members has not but been made, including that efforts proceed to safe the discharge.
The tanker, Honour 25, was seized by pirates on April 21 whereas crusing close to Somalia, in accordance with diplomatic sources. A complete of 17 crew members have been taken hostage, together with 10 Pakistanis, 4 Indonesians, one Indian, and one Myanmar nationwide.
In keeping with the Overseas Workplace, all related establishments, together with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of Inside, are coordinating intently on the matter. He mentioned that nationals from different international locations are additionally among the many hostages.
The international workplace spokesperson mentioned that the Pakistani authorities stay in fixed contact with the ship’s proprietor and different related events. He mentioned that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Somalia and the ambassador in Djibouti are constantly monitoring the state of affairs.
“A workforce from the Pakistani embassy additionally visited Mogadishu to acquire first-hand details about the case,” he added.
Andrabi mentioned the state of affairs has grow to be extra sophisticated as a result of the vessel is carrying extremely harmful and explosive cargo, making any operation extraordinarily delicate.
He mentioned that Pakistan has urged the Somali authorities and the ship’s proprietor to make sure that the hostages are supplied with primary requirements, together with meals and consuming water.
The spokesperson mentioned the federal government is absolutely conscious of the issues and difficulties being confronted by the households of the hostages and appealed to them to stay affected person, assuring them that the difficulty stays underneath fixed overview.
“The discharge of the hostages stays among the many authorities’s prime priorities,” the spokesperson mentioned.
India warned in opposition to diverting Pakistan’s water
Talking on India’s water terrorism, the spokesperson voiced concern over stories that India has invited bids for the proposed Chenab-Uplink Tunnel mission, which goals to divert 1.9 million acre-feet of water yearly from the Chenab River to the Beas system.
He mentioned the mission, together with proposed silt-flushing on the Salal Dam, would violate the Indus Waters Treaty and will give India undue management over water flows. He mentioned India neither formally notified Pakistan nor held consultations on the plans.
Andrabi warned that any try to divert Pakistan’s share of water may threaten the nation’s economic system, meals safety and regional stability. He urged the worldwide group to press India to halt such tasks and absolutely implement the Indus Waters Treaty.
Afghan assurances in opposition to cross-border terrorism sought
The FO spokesperson additionally spoke on the relations with Afghanistan, saying that Pakistan believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve points with the neighbouring nation, however assaults on its residents and legislation enforcement personnel may not be tolerated.
He mentioned that the continued prevalence of terrorist assaults originating from Afghan soil had examined Pakistan’s endurance, urging Kabul to make sure that its territory will not be used for terrorism in opposition to Pakistan.
Andrabi mentioned Pakistan had taken obligatory measures to safeguard safety in border areas and had clearly conveyed its issues to worldwide companions, together with China.
He added that regional safety and terrorism threats have been additionally mentioned intimately through the current strategic dialogue with the European Union.
