KARACHI: Distressed families of Pakistani seafarers held captive by Somali pirates staged a heartfelt protest in Karachi on Wednesday. They urged the government to take immediate steps for the safe release of their loved ones who have endured harsh conditions for over three weeks.
Emotional protest highlights daily struggles
Ambreen Fatima joined the demonstration with her young children near the Native Jetty Bridge by the main port. Her husband, Syed Hussain Yousuf, serves as second engineer on the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged tanker that pirates seized on April 21 off Somalia’s Puntland coast. Fatima shared that her husband now drinks unclean tank water to survive and appeared unwell during their last video call six days ago.
Moreover, the mother revealed that stress has taken a heavy toll on her family. Her daughter spent two days in hospital while her 16-year-old son struggles to focus on his annual exams. “His brain isn’t functioning. He only thinks about his dad,” she said with visible pain. Five families gathered under the hot sun, holding placards and standing together with their children to press for government action.
Government coordinates with ship owner
Pirates continue to hold ten Pakistani crew members among the 17 total hostages. Families reported that sailors receive only boiled rice once a day and suffer severe shortages of clean drinking water. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that pirates have not contacted Pakistani authorities directly. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the ship owner leads negotiations while staying in touch with Somali officials, who keep Islamabad updated.
Additionally, a Pakistani embassy team visited Somalia recently and received assurances that the captives remain safe. Somali authorities explained they cannot raid the vessel because it carries flammable cargo. Officials stated that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs actively coordinates with the affected families during this difficult time.
This latest hijacking adds to rising incidents in the region, especially as tensions disrupt key shipping routes. Families now wait anxiously for positive news while they continue pressing authorities to bring their relatives home safely.
