MV Albedo crew reunites with families after 21 months

By Abdullah Zafar Aug 2nd, 2012 ( 3 Comments )

Karachi: The seven Pakistani hostages released by Somali pirates on Thursday arrived their homeland, Pakistan, after almost 1.5 years.

After the intense struggle by Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Human Rights activist Ansar Burney and Real state Tycoon Malik Riaz, seven Pakistani crew members of MV Albedo were freed by Somali pirates on Wednesday.

The hostages arrived at Karachi airport via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight. Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Chief Ahmed Chinoy also accompanied the seven hostages.

The seven Pakistanis include Captain Mujtaba Rafique, Kashif-ul-Islam, Faqir Mohammad, Ahsan Naveed, Raheel Anwar, Zulfiqar Ali and Javed Saleem.

Governor Sindh, Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah and Senator Babar Khan Ghauri warmly welcomed the seven hostages freed by the pirates.

The relatives of the the seven hostages expressed their joy over the release of their loved ones.

The 23 crew members aboard MV Albedo, was hijacked by Somali pirates in November 2010.

The seven Pakistanis were taken to Nairobi after their release. The remaining 15 crewmembers, including seven Bangladeshis, six Sri Lankans, one Indian and an Iranian remain in pirates’ custody.

Reception of seven Pakistani crew members at Governor House, Sindh:

The seven Somali hostages along with their family members arrived at Governor House, Sindh. The hostages were given a warm reception by MQM leader Farooq Sattar, Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Senator Babar Khan Ghauri and other National and provincial assembly members.

Addressing the reception at the Governor House, CPLC Chief Ahmed Chinoy said that Governor Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ebad fulfilled his promise with the families of the seven hostages for their safe return.

CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah also appreciated the efforts made by Ishrat-ul-Ebad in rescuing the crew members.

Captain Javed said that that he would now spend his whole life serving Islam and Pakistan.

Governor Sindh Ishratul Ebad said that he could not believe that the hostages are freed and it was all due to God’s help which made the way easy for us.

He appreciated the efforts by business tycoon Malik Riaz and said that the business tycoon was very cooperative and contributed Rs 130 million for the ransom.