Seafarers’ families threaten hunger strike outside apex court
KARACHI: Families of 10 Pakistani sailors held hostage by Somali pirates have threatened to stage a hunger strike outside the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry if the government fails to secure their release. Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the families and their lawyers said more than 140 days had passed since the ship was hijacked, but there had been no tangible…
Karachi families of 10 Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates have warned of a hunger strike if their loved ones are not freed. At a press conference, the families and lawyers said over 140 days have passed since the hijacking, with no progress towards securing their release. They claimed they had reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs four months ago and again with a follow-up letter, but received no response.
The lack of action led them to protest. One hostage's son stated he hadn't heard his father's voice in about 1.5 months. Syed Talib Abbas, nephew of an engineer, emphasized families usually avoid street protests but felt compelled. The families also alleged violence during a protest at the Foreign Office. They demanded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expedite talks with Somali pirates to ensure the safe return of the hostages.
They urged the Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to personally intervene using his influence. International bodies like the UN, IMO, and other nations were also asked to join efforts. The families warned that if their demands aren't met, they will expand the protest to include a hunger strike outside the Karachi Supreme Court Registry.
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