KARACHI:
Families of Pakistani citizens held hostage by Somali pirates have renewed their call for urgent government intervention as the ordeal reaches its 40th day, as relatives say the captives face deteriorating living conditions and increasing health risks.
In a video statement, Ayesha Amin, wife of hostage Amin Bin Shams, urged the Pakistani government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safe release of her husband and other Pakistanis held by pirates.
He said prolonged captivity had left families trapped in a state of uncertainty, distress and emotional trauma.
According to Ayesha Amin, the condition of the hostages is worsening every day.
Citing information received by families, he said food supplies available to the captives had almost been exhausted and they were reportedly surviving on raw rice and contaminated water, raising serious concerns about their health and well-being.
He also alleged that the company operating the ship involved in the incident had not played an effective role in securing the release of the hostages or addressing their plight, further deepening the anxiety of the family members.
Ayesha said the families had endured 40 days of anguish and suffering, with each passing day becoming more difficult. He added that the emotional toll was particularly severe for children separated from their parents.
He revealed that his children ask daily when their father will return home, but until now the family has not been able to explain the entire situation to them.
He said the children’s innocent questions and prolonged separation from their father have become an unbearable source of pain and worry for the family.
Appealing directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Field Marshal Asim Munir, he urged the authorities to intervene on humanitarian grounds and employ all available diplomatic and administrative channels to ensure the early and safe recovery of the Pakistani hostages.
The families said they were hopeful that the government would take swift and effective measures to protect the lives of its citizens and facilitate their safe return home so they could be reunited with their loved ones.
