Karachi, Mogadishu (Pakistan News) The hijacking of the oil tanker “Onor 25,” which is in the custody of Somali pirates, has completed 40 days; however, all hostages, including 10 Pakistanis, have still not been released.
According to reports, on April 21, Somali pirates attacked the oil tanker and took control of it, holding 17 crew members hostage. The hostages include 10 Pakistanis, 4 Indonesians, one Indian, and one Myanmar national.
Diplomatic sources say that the Somali government is negotiating with the pirates through the ship’s owner; however, no significant progress has been made so far in these talks.
Sources state that the pirates initially demanded $1 million and later increased the ransom demand to $4 million, but negotiations have remained inconclusive.
It is further reported that the oil tanker is currently anchored near the coast of Somalia and the situation remains tense.
According to diplomatic sources, the Somali government has assured Pakistan that it is continuously making efforts for the release of the Pakistani hostages and has formally informed Pakistan about the situation.