Families of seafarers threaten hunger strike

KARACHI:

Families of 10 Pakistani seafarers, held hostage by pirates in Somalia, have threatened to stage a hunger strike outside the Supreme Court Karachi Registry if concrete steps are not taken for their release.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the families and lawyers said more than 140 days had passed since the ship was hijacked, but no significant progress had been made towards securing the safe return of their loved ones.

The families alleged that they were also subjected to violence during a protest outside the foreign office. They vowed to continue their campaign until their loved ones were recovered.

The families appealed to the prime minister and the foreign office to accelerate diplomatic negotiations with the Somali pirates and ensure the immediate and safe return of the abducted Pakistanis.

They urged the international community, including the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization and other countries, to make joint efforts for the release of the Pakistani and other seafarers held captive in Somalia.