KARACHI:
The families of Pakistani nationals held hostage by Somali pirates have renewed their appeal for urgent government intervention as the ordeal entered its 40th day, as relatives claim the captives face worsening living conditions and growing health risks.
In a video statement, Ayesha Amin, wife of hostage Amin Bin Shams, urged the Pakistani government to take immediate and effective steps to ensure the safe release of her husband and other Pakistanis held by pirates.
She said the prolonged captivity had left families trapped in a state of insecurity, distress and emotional trauma.
According to Ayesha Amin, the condition of the hostages worsens with each passing day.
Citing information received by the families, she said food supplies available to the detainees had almost run out and they were reportedly surviving on raw rice and contaminated water, raising serious concerns about their health and well-being.
She also claimed that the company operating the vessel involved in the incident had not played an effective role in securing the release of the hostages or addressing their situation, further exacerbating the anguish of the family members.
Ayesha said the families had endured 40 days of agony and suffering, with each passing day becoming increasingly difficult. She added that the emotional toll was particularly severe for children separated from their fathers.
She revealed that her children ask daily when their father will return home, but the family has so far been unable to explain the whole situation to them.
She said the children’s innocent questions and the prolonged separation from their father have become an unbearable source of pain and worry for the family.
She appealed directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Field Marshal Asim Munir, urging the authorities to intervene on humanitarian grounds and use all available diplomatic and administrative channels to ensure the safe and early recovery of the Pakistani hostages.
The families said they remained hopeful that the government would take swift and effective measures to protect the lives of its citizens and facilitate their safe return to reunite with their loved ones.
