ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday sought a detailed report on the hijacking of an oil tanker by pirates near Somalia and said efforts had been intensified to ensure the safe recovery of 11 Pakistani crew members.

In a statement, the ministry said the government was closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to secure the release of the hostages.

According to initial reports, armed pirates hijacked the oil tanker Owner 25, near the Somali coast on Tuesday. The vessel was intercepted in the Gulf of Aden near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route.

The pirates took 11 Pakistani crew members and the Indonesian captain of the vessel hostage. Officials said the crew was currently in captivity and negotiations for their release were reportedly underway.

The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and disruptions to shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Amid these developments, Saudi Arabia has been transporting crude oil from its eastern province to the Red Sea port of Yanbu through its 1,200-kilometre East-West pipeline.

Vessel was intercepted by pirates near Somalia; Indonesian captain, 11 crew members held captive

However, shipping lanes near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait continue to face persistent threats, not only from Somali pirates but also from Houthis in Yemen, increasing risks for vessels operating in the region.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the ownership details or the operating shipping agency of the hijacked tanker. Sources in the ministry said that the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping had lost contact with the crew following the incident.

The maritime affairs ministry directed relevant authorities to expedite efforts through close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Navy and other stakeholders to ensure the safe recovery of the crew.

The maritime ministry said it remained in constant contact with all relevant agencies and was closely monitoring developments. Meanwhile, the foreign ministry was taking up the matter with the government of Somalia to facilitate the safe release of the Pakistani crew members.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026