Set free: Labourers from Swat released by pirates

Contact family first time since their abduction in 2009.

MINGORA: The families of two labourers from Swat, Gul Bacha and Ali Muhammad, were overjoyed and finally breathed a sigh of relief when they heard the news of their release from the captivity of Somali pirates on Monday.

Both Bacha and Muhammad, who hail from Kanju area of Swat district, were onboard MV Iceberg along with 22 other labourers when it was captured by Somali pirates in 2009.

Since then, the two lost all contact with their families. Months of anxiety of their loved ones finally came to an end when the two called back home to inform their relatives of their release and consequent journey towards their homeland.



A relative of Ali Muhammad, Sher Alam Khan said they had almost stopped believing Ali would return because the family had been unaware of his whereabouts and condition since the ship was hijacked.



“Ali finally called home and informed us about his release from the custody of pirates,” said Khan. He added that according to Ali Muhammad, the hostages had been severely tortured by the kidnappers.

Both the released residents of Swat are currently receiving medical attention and will soon reach home.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2012.