As the deadline to pay ransom for the release of four Pakistani hostages from the captivity of Somali pirates draws near, international organisations have agreed to help raise money, giving families a renewed hope.
Only four days remain in the seven-day deadline given by the pirates, yet the government has failed to take any steps to ensure their recovery so far, reported Express 24/7 on Monday.
Naval Captain Wasi was taken hostage along with three other Pakistanis on August 8, 2010 from an Egyptian cargo ship. The pirates are demanding $2.1 million for their release.
On Saturday, Laila, Captain Wasi’s daughter, announced that she would sell her kidneys to pay the ransom. Responding to this, an Indian living in Dubai, K B Singh, promised to pay $500,000 to help raise the ransom money, the channel reported.
Captain Wasi’s brother, Askari Hassan, said that human rights activist Ansar Burney will go to Dubai to collect the money from Singh.
Hassan said that the pirates would release Captain Wasi if they are paid $600,000 in ransom.
On Monday, Laila again appealed to the government for help for her father’s safe recovery. Captain Wasi’s wife also expressed disappointment with the lack of support from the government, saying that even foreigners have offered help, but the government remains silent.
Speaking to Express 24/7, Burney said the pirates have demanded $2.1 million in ransom.
He said the shipping company which owns the vessel, has agreed to pay $1 million, and a few Indian welfare organisations have collectively pledged $0.5 million.
Earlier this month, 16 Pakistanis and two Iranians were freed from the pirates after the Danish Navy carried out an air-raid operation to rescue the hostages.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2011.
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