Protecting Pakistani Seafarers from Piracy: Strengthening Pakistan’s National Response

This Insight by Dr Tughral Yamin examines the resurgence of Somali piracy and its devastating human cost for Pakistani seafarers. It highlights the MT Honour 25 tragedy and the vulnerabilities of sailors working aboard foreign-flagged vessels. The analysis proposes a comprehensive national response, including an emergency response cell, maritime security risk register, mandatory anti-piracy training, intelligence sharing, agreements with major flag states, financial protections and family support mechanisms. Importantly, it argues that Pakistan’s responsibility for its seafarers should extend beyond its territorial waters through coordinated preventive, diplomatic and humanitarian measures.