Somali pirates: Ransom not collected yet

Shipping company announced $1 million, Indian welfare organisation offered $0.5 million, $0.5 million still required.

KARACHI: A bank account to collect $0.3 million in ransom for the release of Pakistani sailors being held hostage by Somali pirates has been opened, but the government has not offered any financial help, said Captain Wasi's family on Friday.

The Somali pirates have held four Pakistanis hostage, namely Mohammad Muzammil, Ali Rahman, Syed Alam and Captain Wasi for the last nine months.

The pirates have demanded $2 million from the families.

The shipping company announced to give $1 million, while an Indian welfare organisation offered $0.5 million.

However, $0.5 million are still required. "We are certain that the people of Pakistan will support us," said the families.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2011.