Police break up protest by sailors' families

KARACHI:

The police allegedly raided a protest by the families of the abducted crew of HONOUR 25, detaining five women and six men and taking them to the police station. The families also alleged that police assaulted them during the operation.

On Monday, the families of the HONOUR 25 crew set up a protest camp outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanding the safe release of the hostages. Tipu Sultan police allegedly vandalised the protest camp and detained 11 participants.

Following reports of the incident, Ansar Burney Trust International Executive Director and Advocate Qurrat-ul-Ain Muhammad Anees reached the police station. After talks with police officials, the detained protesters were released.

More than four months have passed since 10 Pakistani crew members were taken hostage by Somali pirates. During this period, there have been several communications between the pirates and the Ansar Burney Trust.

The HONOUR 25 was seized by Somali pirates on April 21, 2026.

According to Advocate Qurrat-ul-Ain, the pirates have reduced their ransom demand. They had initially demanded $3 million for the release of the hostages, but have now lowered the amount to $1.9 million.