Pakistan, June 11 -- Pakistan is intensifying efforts to secure the release of citizens held hostage by Somali pirates. The issue matters because the captives have spent nearly 50 days in detention. Pakistani nationals, their families, and other crew members remain directly affected.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted Somalia's foreign minister. He said Somalia assured Pakistan of full cooperation in securing the hostages' safe release. Pakistan has also remained in contact with the cargo vessel's owner. However, Andrabi acknowledged that progress has been limited due to the situation's complexity.

According to the Foreign Office, the hostage crisis involves a se...