Hanging in the balance: Pirates extend deadline till Monday

KARACHI: Somali pirates have extended the deadline till Monday for the payment of ransom money, while any decision for further extension will be taken by the pirates on Sunday night, said social activist Ansar Burney. He added that they had asked for a precautionary extension of eight to ten days.

He revealed that the pirates have closed down the ship’s communication system, after the shipping company failed to meet their deadline of May 22.

They have also warned of dire consequences if the amount isn’t paid by Monday.

Meanwhile, Burney revealed that the total amount of $2.1 billion dollars has been collected and it will be transferred to the pirates within four to five days.

The remaining $500,000 dollars were collected from Pakistan, after Indian parliamentarian KD Singh refused to honour his commitment, he added.

The hostages would be reunited with their families ten to twelve days after the payment, he concluded. Pirates are holding 22 people hostage, which includes four Pakistanis.

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