Paying $3 Million Ransom for 10 Pakistanis Held by Somali Pirates Could Have Negative Consequences: Tariq Fazal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that 10 Pakistani nationals are being held by Somali pirates, who have demanded a $3 million ransom for their release.

Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, the minister warned that paying the ransom could have negative consequences and potentially encourage similar incidents in the future.

The issue of Pakistani nationals allegedly abducted by Somali pirates came under discussion during the National Assembly session, which was initially chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah. The proceedings were briefly suspended after lawmakers pointed out a lack of quorum and later resumed under the chairmanship of Panel of Chair Ali Zahid.

Responding to a calling-attention notice, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan was making efforts to secure the safe release of the 10 citizens.

He said Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Somalia, while the writ of the Somali government was also not strong in the area where the pirates were operating.

The minister said three rounds of negotiations with the pirates had already been held, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was making every possible effort to resolve the matter.

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry reiterated that although the government was determined to secure the release of the Pakistani nationals, paying the demanded ransom of $3 million could produce negative consequences.