Three Pakistani crew members’ bodies, four injured arrive in Karachi
The bodies of three Pakistanis killed and four injured crew members following the hijacking of the MT Honour 25 by pirates in Somalia arrived in Karachi on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The injured crew members were identified as Usman Ghani, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Yasir Khan. The bodies of Rafiullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umar and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari were also brought home.
Family members waited for hours at Jinnah International Airport’s cargo terminal. As the bodies were brought in, relatives broke down in grief, with some mourning their sons while others sought a final glimpse of their fathers or brothers.
Political and social figures were also present to express solidarity with the affected families.
Muzammil Ahmed Ansari, son of Mahmood Ahmed Ansari, said the family had hoped for a quick resolution, but the wait continued for months. He said the crew endured extremely harsh conditions and lacked even basic amenities.
Umar Farooq, father of Syed Kashif Umar, said the Prime Minister had called to offer condolences following his son’s death. He said the families of the deceased also had reservations about the delay and the government’s handling of the situation.
Political and social leaders called for continued contact with the affected families and immediate, effective government action in such incidents.
Acting on the Prime Minister’s directives, the Governor of Sindh announced financial aid of 12.5 million rupees for the affected families and assured that arrangements would be made for the education and support of the deceased’s children. Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain Shah also expressed condolences and solidarity with the affected families.
The injured crew members appreciated the support extended by the Pakistani public, media and welfare organisations during the ordeal.
Three Pakistani crew members of the MT Honour 25 remain on board the vessel alongside the captain, while efforts for their safe repatriation continue. While some families have been reunited with their loved ones after months of waiting, three families are still awaiting their return.