Pakistan

Somali pirates case: Sindh governor assures families of assistance

Ishratul Ebad says all possible efforts will be initiated on humanitarian grounds.

Express April 29, 2011

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad on Friday assured the families of Pakistanis abducted by the Somali pirates that he will assist in negotiating their release.

The families escorted by social activist Ansar Burney met the Governor at the Governor House in Karachi. Dr Ebad assured the families that all possible efforts will be initiated on humanitarian grounds.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Ansar Burney revealed that $1.6 million have been arranged for the ransom.

The pirates have demanded a ransom of $2.1 million for the abducted Pakistanis.

Captain Wasi's daughter Laila Wasi thanked the governor for his support.

Earlier, the pirates extended the deadline for the ransom to fifteen days from the previous two days. The shipping company, which employs the four Pakistanis, had offered $1 million, while an international NGO announced $500,000 for the release.

COMMENTS (5)

Osman | 13 years ago | Reply @Aftab Kenneth Wilson: absoletly your right you understood the game( as Somali citizen i feel sad regarding the issue)

Andrea | 13 years ago | Reply @Maria: Agredd; NO concession to criminals since it only makes them do it again.

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Maria | 13 years ago | Reply They need to apply pressure at the highest levels and consider military options to secure release. Under no circumstances should the Pakistani government give in to the criminal demands because this will only encourage more kidnapping and abduction of Pakistani nationals. The criminals must understand that the kidnapping of Pakistanis does not pay. This is why Western governments have an official policy of never paying ransoms to kidnappers.

Chilli | 13 years ago | Reply Noting is being done at government level as they don't have any clue or will to resolve this issue. They are more serious in saving their government and least bothered about miseries of the nation. We are just watching an entertainment show by our Politicians.

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 13 years ago | Reply What assistance can Governor Sahib provide, is it not strange????? All in Pakistan can only show some concern and sympathy. On the other hand it is equally very disturbing that no concrete action is being taken by those countries whose ships are patrolling these areas day in and day out. Somali pirates are doing all this from last many years. Why don't they drone them out????

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