Ten Pakistani Hostages on Palau-Flagged Tanker Remain Unsecured After 111 Days of Somali Pirate Captivity.

A tanker registered to Palau was hijacked by Somali pirates more than 100 days ago. Ten crew members from Pakistan have been held hostage on the vessel. Over 111 days later, the Pakistani government has not taken significant action to secure the captives or negotiate their release. Social media and mainstream outlets have pressured authorities, but the issue has largely faded from public attention and the government’s response. Families of the hostages say the crew’s health is deteriorating due to inadequate nutrition. They report that infections and severe weakness have set in, with no adequate medical attention. The authorities issued a distress call shortly before this report, marking the first such call in a long time. The call has renewed attention on the hostages’ plight. Officials deny that the hostages fall under the Pakistani state’s jurisdiction. They cite the vessel’s presence in waters designated as "no‑go areas" as the reason for the lack of responsibility to protect its citizens. This stance effectively leaves the hostages without state protection.