PM announces financial aid and homes for families of hijacking victims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced financial aid, housing, free education and health care for the families of three Pakistani crew members killed during an operation to recover the hijacked tanker MT Honour 25 off Somalia. The deaths occurred Tuesday, when Puntland forces retook the vessel.

What support did Shehbaz Sharif announce for hijacking victims' families?

Each bereaved family will receive Rs12.5 million ($44,600) in financial assistance and a house from the government. Children of the deceased will get free education and health care. Sharif also directed the Foreign Ministry and other institutions to stay in direct contact with the families and assist them at every stage.

What did Sharif say to the family of Syed Kashif Umar?

Sharif spoke by telephone with Azhan Kashif, the son of Syed Kashif Umar, who was killed during the recovery operation. The prime minister expressed his condolences and said the government shared the grief of the bereaved family.

“May Allah Almighty grant him the highest place in Jannah and give your family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Sharif said.

“The bereaved families will not be left alone in this difficult hour. The government will provide every possible assistance and support,” he added.

What has Pakistan ordered on repatriation and medical care?

Sharif ordered authorities to expedite the repatriation of the bodies of Kashif Umar, Mahmood Ahmed Ansari and Rafiullah Khan. He directed Pakistan's Foreign Ministry and embassy to remain in continuous contact with Somali authorities and other relevant parties to speed up the process.

He also ordered authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for injured Pakistani nationals. Efforts to secure the safe return of the remaining Pakistani crew members will continue, he said.

What is the status of the remaining MT Honour 25 crew?

The support package was announced as Pakistan continued efforts to bring home survivors of the hijacking of the Palau-flagged tanker. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said earlier today that four Pakistani crew members had been safely retrieved. They are Yasir Khan, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Usman Ghani, and they are expected to arrive in Karachi on Oct. 3.

Three other Pakistani crew members, Imran Ali, Yasin Muhammad and Syed Yousuf Hussain, remain aboard the vessel with the captain, Dar said.

How was the MT Honour 25 hijacked and recovered?

The pirates seized the tanker on April 21, about 30 nautical miles off Puntland's coast. The vessel was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil and had 10 Pakistani crew members among those aboard. The pirates demanded a $3 million ransom for the crew's release.

The Ansar Burney Trust said it received the ransom demand through WhatsApp on May 18 from the group's leader, nearly four weeks after the hijacking.

Puntland security forces recovered the tanker from Somali pirates Tuesday, more than five months after it was seized off Puntland. Five crew members, including three Pakistanis, were killed during the operation, according to Somali authorities and Pakistan's Foreign Office. Puntland authorities said their forces secured the vessel and detained suspected pirates.

What conditions did the crew face during captivity?

Relatives and rights groups reported severe conditions during the months of captivity. Crew members faced shortages of clean drinking water and were reportedly forced to survive on contaminated tank water and one meal of boiled rice a day. Several hostages were also reported to have suffered stress-related illnesses and lacked access to essential medication.

Families of the Pakistani crew members in Karachi staged repeated demonstrations, urging authorities to intensify diplomatic and rescue efforts. A previously released video showed all 17 crew members appearing visibly distressed. Children of some crew members also experienced anxiety and panic attacks following the hijacking.