KARACHI: A resolution has been submitted to the Sindh Assembly Secretariat seeking urgent government intervention for the safe recovery of 11 Pakistani crew members held hostage by Somali pirates. The resolution was moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Moazz Mahboob. According to the details, the crew members were aboard the oil tanker Honor 25 when they were intercepted and taken captive on April 21.
The lawmaker highlighted that the 11 Pakistanis have been in captivity for over 16 days, and six of the hostages hail from Sindh. Moazz Mahboob stated he has personally met with the distressed families, who are pleading for the safe return of their loved ones. He also pointed out that Indonesia has already successfully negotiated the release of its citizens from the same pirates, emphasizing a perceived lack of action from the Pakistani government.
Moazz Mahboob called upon the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Chief Minister of Sindh to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts before it is too late. He claimed that despite the gravity of the situation, no substantial government progress has been visible so far.
This legislative move comes a day after Ansar Burney, head of the Ansar Burney Trust, revealed that direct contact has been established with the Somali pirates. Burney noted that while the pirates are ready to present their demands to government representatives, the authorities have yet to take practical steps to secure the hostages’ release.
