Demand government action for safe recovery of 10 Pakistani crew members held by pirates
Families of Pakistani crew members abducted by Somali pirates protested at the Native Jetty Bridge in Karachi on Wednesday. SCREEN GRAB
Families of Pakistani crew members abducted by Somali pirates on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the lack of government action even 23 days after the hijacking of an oil tanker, saying no concrete efforts were being made for their safe recovery.
At a protest held at the Native Jetty Bridge, the affected families said they were unaware of any ransom demand 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 take immediate notice of 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, holding placards with photographs of the abducted crew members and slogans demanding their release. The protesting families included the wives of several crew members.
Anjuman-e-Burhani Trust Chairman 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 with the abducted crew members, who reported worsening conditions on board the vessel. “They told us that their hope of survival is dwindling, food and water have run out and their condition is extremely critical,” they said.
They demanded the immediate appointment of a government-level contact person, the activation of diplomatic channels and swift steps for the recovery of the hostages.
Speaking on the occasion, Burney labeled the government’s response “very indifferent” and said that while 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 pirates had expressed willingness for direct negotiations with the government of Pakistan. He urged the Prime Minister to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure prompt action for the safe recovery of the crew.
Also read: ‘We have no water left’: Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates appeal for help
The children of the abducted sailors made an emotional appeal for the return of their fathers, uncles and relatives on Eidul Azha.
The oil tanker, MT Honor 25, operated by an Indonesian-based company, was hijacked off the coast of Somalia on 21 April. The ship has a crew of 17 members, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The ship’s captain is from Indonesia.
The 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.
