Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation to request help freeing Pakistani sailors held by pirates [1].

The diplomatic plea highlights the ongoing risks to international shipping crews and the reliance on global maritime bodies to resolve hostage crises in high-risk waters.

Dar is currently in the United Kingdom for an official visit scheduled from Aug. 24 to Aug. 28 [2]. During the meetings in London, the Deputy Prime Minister focused on the plight of 10 Pakistani crew members [3]. These sailors were seized by Somali pirates after their tanker was hijacked in April 2026 [3].

During the discussion with the IMO chief, Dar said there is a need for a coordinated international response to ensure the safety of seafarers. He said the organization's global reach is important in managing maritime security.

"We request urgent and effective institutional intervention to secure early return of all seafarers," Dar said [4].

The Deputy Prime Minister also acknowledged the broader contributions of the agency to the industry. "I appreciate the IMO’s role for safe, secure and efficient international shipping," Dar said [5].

Pakistani officials are seeking the release of the crew through institutional channels rather than unilateral action. The IMO serves as the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the safety and security of shipping, and the prevention of marine pollution.

The visit to the UK includes several high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing urgent consular issues. The case of the hijacked tanker remains a priority for the Pakistani government as it coordinates with international maritime authorities to negotiate the sailors' return [1].

“"We request urgent and effective institutional intervention to secure early return of all seafarers."”

This diplomatic appeal signals Pakistan's strategy to utilize multilateral frameworks like the IMO to resolve maritime security threats. By engaging the UN's maritime arm, Pakistan aims to apply international pressure and leverage institutional expertise to secure the release of its citizens without bypassing global maritime laws or escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.