KARACHI: A resolution has been submitted in the Sindh Assembly calling for urgent efforts to secure the release of Pakistani nationals held hostage by pirates near Somalia.
The resolution was moved by Muaz Mehboob, a member of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, who urged both federal and provincial governments to take immediate diplomatic action.
According to details, 11 Pakistani crew members aboard an oil tanker were taken hostage by Somali pirates on April 21. The resolution states that 16 days have passed since the incident, raising serious concerns about their safety.
Muaz Mehboob said that six of the hostages belong to Sindh and their families are in distress, appealing for their safe return. He warned that the lives of the Pakistani crew are at risk and called for swift intervention.
He also noted that other countries, including Indonesia, have successfully negotiated with pirates to secure the release of their citizens.
The lawmaker urged the federal government, the President, and the Prime Minister to initiate immediate diplomatic measures to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages, stating that delays could worsen the situation.
Separately, a representative of the Ansar Burney Trust revealed that contact has been established with the pirates, who are ready to present their demands directly to government officials. However, he claimed that no significant action has yet been taken by authorities.
