The government has begun arrangements to repatriate the remains of three Pakistani sailors killed during an operation to recover a hijacked tanker off Somalia.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Saturday that efforts were underway to bring the remains of Rafiullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari back to Pakistan.
Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland maritime police recovered the Palau-flagged MT Honour 25 earlier this week. The tanker was carrying 19 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis, when it was seized by Somali pirates.
Three Pakistani Sailors Killed During Recovery Operation
The Foreign Office confirmed Wednesday that three Pakistanis were killed and three others injured during the recovery operation. The deceased sailors were later identified by Pakistani authorities.
The PMO said the remains had been transported to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines is reviewing arrangements to transfer the bodies before final approval for their departure to Karachi.
Authorities remain in contact to speed up the repatriation process. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the sailors’ families.
Government Announces Relief For Deceased Sailors’ Families
The prime minister has announced a Rs 12.5 million relief package for the families of the deceased sailors. The support includes free housing and education for their children.
Shehbaz also spoke by telephone with Azhan Kashif, the son of deceased sailor Syed Kashif Umer, and offered his condolences.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said four of the 10 Pakistani crew members had been safely retrieved. Yasir Khan, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Usman Ghani were expected to arrive in Karachi following sustained efforts by the Foreign Office and Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti.
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