Somali pirates release seven Pakistani sailors

After the intense struggle by Pakistani officials, seven crew members of merchant ship MV Albedo have been released and would be reaching Karachi on Thursday.

Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ebad while holding a presser late Wednesday informed that those seven hostages, who have been in the captivity of Somali pirates since November 2010, have been freed.

He said that those seven Pakistanis were taken to Nairobi after their release and will be brought to the country at the earliest. He, however, said that the remaining 15 crew members including seven from Bangladesh, six from Sri Lanka and one each from India and Iran remain in the custody of Somali pirates.

Earlier, the Somali pirates had demanded Rs320 million for the release of the crew and vessel, which was captured in the Indian Ocean, back in 2010.

The Pakistani government had agreed to pay Rs160 million while the remaining amount was to be paid by the Malaysian government since the vessel is owned by a Malaysian citizen. However, it is unclear that the Malaysian government has paid the remaining amount or not as yet.

The Chairman of Bahria Town Malik Riaz contributed Rs 130 million for giving ransom to Somali pirates for release of MV Albedo’s crew.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf while praising the role of Governor Sindh Ishrathul Ebad welcomed the release of Pakistani sailors from Somali captivity.

In a telephonic conversation with Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad, the president appreciated and thanked all the individuals, organizations and his efforts to secure the release of Pakistani sailors.

He said, “It was a good omen that the captured Pakistanis will be finally returning home and would be able to celebrate the forthcoming Eid and Independence Day with their families and fellow compatriots”.

President Zardari reiterated the need for joint effort against such elements so that such incidents of abduction could be avoided in the future.

In another statement issued from PM House, the prime minister appreciated the efforts of governor Sindh for rescuing the hostages.

Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain also expressed his joy over the release of the hostages.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=30169

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Aug 2 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.