Hamid Mir Criticizes Government After Three Pakistanis Killed in Somalia Pirate Rescue Operation
ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist and analyst Hamid Mir has strongly criticized the Pakistani government and security institutions after three Pakistani crew members were reportedly killed during an operation to recover the hijacked commercial vessel Honor 25 in Somalia.
The vessel was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 21, 2026. According to details, Puntland security forces launched an operation involving firing and shelling to regain control of the ship.
The vessel’s Second Engineer, Hussain Yousaf, reportedly told a humanitarian organization by phone that five crew members were killed during the security operation, including three Pakistanis — Second Officer Kashif Umar, Third Engineer Mahmood Ansari and Oiler Rafiullah Khan. An Indian national, Tanveer, and the Chief Engineer from Myanmar were also reportedly killed.
He further said that three Pakistani crew members — Fourth Engineers Usman, Aqeel and Amin — along with an Indonesian crew member, sustained serious injuries and were in critical condition.
The operation also reportedly damaged the vessel’s steering system. As a result, the ship was being towed slowly toward Bosaso port by another vessel, a journey that could take around three days. An appeal was made to the Pakistani government and international organizations to urgently arrange a helicopter and medical assistance for the injured crew members.
Reacting to the incident, Hamid Mir questioned the government’s response to the plight of Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates.
In a post on X, Mir said that Pakistan was signing agreements to provide security to other countries, while several Pakistani sailors had remained hostage at the mercy of Somali pirates for five months.
ہم دوسرے ممالک کو تحفظ فراہم کرنے کے معاہدے کر رہے ہیں لیکن افسوس کہ پانچ ماہ تک کئی پاکستانی سیلرز صومالیہ میں بحری قزاقوں کے ہاتھوں یرغمال رہے لیکن حکومت پاکستان نے اپنے شہریوں کے تحفظ کے لئے اپیلیں جاری کرنے کے علاوہ کچھ نہیں کیا یہ آپریشن ہماری سکیورٹی فورسز نے کیوں نہیں کیا؟… pic.twitter.com/j9YZ2oLKl3
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) September 30, 2026
He questioned why Pakistani forces had not conducted the recovery operation and said that if the state could not protect its own citizens, questions would arise over claims of providing protection to people in other countries.
Mir’s remarks came amid concerns over the deaths and injuries of Pakistani crew members during the operation to recover the hijacked vessel.
