Demand government action for safe recovery of 10 Pakistani crew members held by pirates
Families of Pakistani crew members kidnapped by Somali pirates protest at the Native Jetty Bridge in Karachi on Wednesday. SCREEN CAPTURE
Families of Pakistani crew members kidnapped by Somali pirates on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the government’s lack of action even after 23 days of the oil tanker hijacking, saying no concrete efforts were made for their safe recovery.
At a protest held at the Native Jetty Bridge, affected families said they were not aware of any ransom demands from the pirates and had not received clear updates from the government on negotiations or rescue efforts.
“Our only demand is the safe recovery and return of our loved ones,” said a member of the protesting families, adding that the lives of the hostages remained in danger. They warned that if the Prime Minister did not immediately realize the situation, they would go on a hunger strike along with their children in the coming days.
Read: Somali pirates demand direct talks with Pakistan
A large number of women and children participated in the protest, carrying banners with photographs of the kidnapped crew members and slogans demanding their release. Among the protesting families were the wives of several crew members.
Anjuman-e-Burhani Trust president Ansar Burney also visited the protest site along with his family to express solidarity with the affected families.
The families said they had recently managed to speak to the kidnapped crew members, who reported deteriorating conditions aboard the ship. “They told us that their hope of survival is fading, that food and water have run out and that their condition is extremely critical,” they said.
They demanded the immediate appointment of a government-level coordinator, the activation of diplomatic channels and urgent measures for the recovery of the hostages.
On the occasion, Burney described the government’s response as “very indifferent” and said that although no official ransom demand had been made so far, efforts were being made through his charity to facilitate contacts at various levels.
He added that the pirates had expressed their willingness to engage in direct negotiations with the Pakistani government. He urged the Prime Minister to immediately take note of the situation and ensure quick action for the safe recovery of the crew.
Read also: “We have no water left”: Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates ask for help
The children of the kidnapped sailors made emotional appeals for the return of their fathers, uncles and relatives before Eidul Azha.
The tanker MT Honor 25, operated by an Indonesia-based company, was hijacked off the coast of Somalia on April 21. The vessel carries a crew of 17, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The captain of the ship is from Indonesia.
Pakistani crew members include Second Officer Syed Kashif Umar Naqvi, Second Engineer Syed Hussain Yusuf, Third Engineer Mahmood Ahmed Ansari, Fourth Engineer Usman Ghani, Seaman Aqeel Khan, Muhammad Yasin, Oiler Imran Ali, Rafiullah Khan, Yasir Khan and Fitter Ameen bin Shams.
