Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has said that continuous contact is being maintained with the federal minister for maritime affairs for the recovery of the Pakistani seafarers kidnapped by Somalian pirates, adding that the matter is under serious consideration.
Quoting the foreign secretary, Hashmi said that the relevant embassy is making all-out efforts to secure the release of the hostages. The governor expressed these views while speaking at a press conference at the Governor House on Monday. Families of the kidnapped individuals were also present on the occasion.
Hashmi said that both the federal and Sindh governments stand with the affected families in this difficult time, adding that immediate contact has been established with the families, their concerns have been heard, and they have been assured of full cooperation.
He noted that communication with the hostages remains intact, and efforts for their safe recovery are ongoing at all levels. He also said that discussions regarding the recovery of the hostages are under way with the European Union as well.
The governor said that the vessel involved is Somali-registered, and that contact has been established with the ship’s captain. The incident occurred outside Pakistan’s maritime boundaries, which has led to certain complexities.
He emphasised that the federal government would not abandon the affected families under any circumstances. The families of the kidnapped individuals expressed gratitude to the governor for promptly taking up the matter with the federal minister for shipping and the foreign secretary.
They said that the assurances given to them have provided hope that their loved ones would soon return safely, and they appreciated the government’s support and attention. At the conclusion of the press conference, Hashmi, along with journalists, offered prayers for the soul of the mother of Press Secretary to the Sindh Governor Faisal Zafar Farooqui.
Farooqui’s mother had passed away on April 20, and the governor had attended her funeral. Her Soyem had been held at her residence on April 22, and it had been attended by journalists and notable citizens.
