Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has announced a Rs12.5 million relief package for the families of Pakistani crewmen who were killed during the operation to recover the MT Honour 25, an oil tanker hijacked by Somali pirates in April.
The package includes one house for each deceased crewman’s family, while the government will also provide free education for their children, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The prime minister spoke by phone to Azhan Kashif, son of deceased crewman Syed Kashif Umer, to offer his condolences and express his grief. He assured the family that the government will arrange the return of the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis to the country as soon as possible.
Shehbaz Sharif also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions to remain in direct contact with the families throughout the process. He instructed the ministry to maintain contact with Somali authorities and other relevant parties to facilitate the transfer of the remains.
“The prime minister said that the bereaved families would not be left alone during this difficult time and that the government would provide all possible cooperation and assistance,” the PMO said.
The remains of three Pakistani crewmen Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari are being repatriated to Pakistan after they lost their lives during the operation carried out by Puntland forces.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar said on Friday that four of the 10 Pakistani crew members had been safely retrieved following sustained efforts by the Foreign Office and Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti.
Four seamen- Yasir Khan, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Usman Ghani — are scheduled to arrive in Karachi from Addis Ababa. Dar said that they were due to arrive on Oct 3, while their family members told a private media outlet that the sailors will reach Karachi on Sunday, Oct 4, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Dar stated that all necessary legal and other formalities are being fast-tracked to expedite the repatriation of the deceased crewmen. “My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, who are going through a deeply painful time,” he said.
Three Pakistani crew members- Imran Ali, Yasin Muhammad and Syed Yousuf Hussain- remain aboard the vessel along with the captain.
“We are actively coordinating with our friendly countries to facilitate their safe extraction and earliest possible return to Pakistan,” Dar said.
He added that the Foreign Affairs Ministry, under PM Shehbaz’s leadership, “remains fully seized of the matter” and continues efforts to secure the return of all Pakistani nationals, including the bodies of those who died.
The ministry will also continue providing support to the affected families.
The prime minister further directed authorities to take all possible measures to ensure that injured Pakistanis receive the best possible medical care and that the remaining crew members return home safely.
