Pakistanis killed in Somalia: Arrangements made to repatriate bodies

ISLAMABAD: Following the instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, arrangements are under way to repatriate the bodies of Pakistani citizens who lost their lives in Somalia.

In this regard, the bodies of the deceased Pakistani citizens arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Saturday.

Ethiopian Airlines staff are currently inspecting the coffins and making the necessary preparations for the remains, while the final clearance for their onward flight to Karachi will be granted thereafter.

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s instructions, relevant authorities remain in constant contact to expedite the repatriation process.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had assured all possible assistance for bringing back the bodies of the Pakistani citizens — Syed Kashif Umar, Ahmed Ansari, and Rafiullah—who lost their lives in Somalia.

Speaking by telephone yesterday with Azhan Kashif, the son of the deceased, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt condolences over his father’s passing and assured him that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure the swift repatriation of his father’s body, as well as those of the other deceased individuals, to Pakistan.