“Mr Shehbaz Sharif please bring my father back," daughter of kidnapped engineer by Somali pirates makes emotional appeal

Families of Pakistani crew members held hostage following the hijacking of an oil tanker by Somali pirates have issued an urgent appeal to the government for immediate intervention.

The vessel, Honour 25, was reportedly seized while en route from Oman to Fujairah, with 11 Pakistani nationals among those taken captive. Since the incident, all communication with the crew has been severed, leaving families in deep distress.

Talking to Dialogue Pakistan, relatives said they were initially unaware of the hijacking, attributing the loss of contact to routine signal disruptions at sea. However, after approximately 36 hours without communication, they learned that the ship had been taken over.

One family member, whose husband serves as a second engineer on board, said their last conversation took place on 21 April. A brief call several days later confirmed that conditions on the vessel are poor, with reports of dwindling food supplies and crew members being held at gunpoint.

“They told us to pray for them,” she said, adding that communication was extremely limited as the crew’s phones had been confiscated and only temporarily returned.

“Mr Shehbaz Sharif, am I not a daughter of your nation? I fold my hands before you—please bring my father back," the daughter made an emotional appeal.

Families have also alleged that the hostages are facing severe restrictions, including limited access to basic religious practices. They describe the situation as increasingly critical, with fears growing over the wellbeing of those on board.

Despite multiple media appearances and public appeals over recent days, relatives say there has been little visible action from authorities. While assurances have reportedly been given by officials that efforts are underway, families have called for greater transparency and tangible progress.

In an emotional appeal, relatives have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside senior military leadership including Asim Munir and Naveed Ashraf, to take swift action to secure the safe release of the hostages.

With Eid approaching, families say their only hope is to be reunited with their loved ones and to receive confirmation of their safety. Many have highlighted that those held captive include sole breadwinners, compounding the emotional and financial strain faced by those at home.

The situation remains ongoing, with no confirmed timeline for the crew’s release.