By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi met the families of Pakistani nationals held hostage by pirates in Somalia on 27 April and assured them that all available resources would be used to secure their safe and early release.
Speaking at a press conference, the governor said he had held telephone conversations with the federal minister for maritime affairs and the foreign secretary, urging immediate and coordinated efforts to resolve the situation.
He said the federal government stood with the affected families in their grief and difficulties and would not leave them alone under any circumstances.
According to the governor, the maritime affairs minister remained in constant contact on the issue, while the foreign secretary had said the relevant embassy was making full efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
He said Pakistani nationals had been taken hostage by pirates in Somalia and that efforts were under way at every level to secure their recovery. He added that discussions were also ongoing with the European Union regarding the matter.
The governor said the vessel involved was Somali, and its captain was in contact with the families. He added that the incident had occurred outside Pakistan’s territorial waters, which had led to certain complexities.
Family members present at the press conference thanked the governor for promptly contacting the federal minister and the foreign secretary, saying his assurance had given them hope that their loved ones would return soon.
They also expressed gratitude for the government’s support and attention, adding that they believed their voices were being heard and that positive progress would follow. They said they were praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
