Delay in compensation for seafarers’ families affected by Somalia hostage-taking incident alarms Senate body

The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights expressed alarm over delays in compensating families of Pakistani seafarers affected by a hostage-taking incident off Somalia, according to a report by <source 2644c535-a54>. The committee, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, also addressed issues of cybercrime, crypto-currency scams, fraudulent investment schemes, and the dissemination of inappropriate content to children on social media.

When discussing the case of the seafarers, the committee asked officials for explanations regarding the slow release of crew members, repatriation of a deceased crew member, medical care for injured sailors, and financial aid to affected families. The Shipping Wing Director, Arif Haroon, reported on the incident, and it was explained that discussions were ongoing between the ship owner, the hiring agency, and entities involved in protection and indemnity insurance for compensation.

Senator Quratul Ain Marri inquired about the assistance given by the federal government to families of deceased seafarers, while the committee requested a full record of crew salaries, medical treatment, and financial aid from April to September. They were also asked to verify claims of a prime ministerial announcement of financial aid and provide the specific amounts disbursed to families.

The chairperson emphasized the importance of not allowing insurance-related procedures and disputes to cause delays in payments to the families. She requested a detailed report on compensation, medical facilities, and assistance provided to victims. Concern was expressed over the rise in cybercrime, ransomware attacks, cryptocurrency fraud, and schemes with unusually high investment returns.

Members questioned delays in registering complaints, resolving investigations, fraudulent calls, misuse of WhatsApp accounts and personal information, dubious bank accounts, and the possible illegal use of SIM cards. The chairperson demanded clear timelines for complaint processing and a system to keep victims informed about case progress.

She also asked authorities for verifiable statistics on investigations, fund recovery, and legal proceedings against suspects. Officials stated that suspicious accounts had been frozen, and money recoveries were underway in line with court orders and applicable laws. The committee also looked into complaints involving fraud by companies and consultants offering overseas education, study visas, and employment.

The chairperson criticized the absence of representatives from the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially as the meeting dealt with complaints involving foreign admissions and visa processes.