Families seek repatriation of Somali pirate victims’ bodies

KARACHI: Families of Pakistani seafarers killed by Somali pirates have demanded that the government take immediate steps for the early repatriation of the victims’ bodies, while Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi has called for compensation for the bereaved families.

JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan visited the home of deceased Mehmood Ansari, a local resident who was among several Pakistani seafarers held hostage by Somali pirates, and expressed condolences to his family.

He met the deceased’s brother, Masood Ansari, and other family members and expressed deep grief over the tragic incident. He called on the government to ensure the safe return of the injured and other seafarers.

Monem also urged the authorities to take effective measures for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased. “There is no substitute for human life, but it is the responsibility of the government to compensate the families of the martyrs,” he said.

Masood Ansari said several days had passed since his brother’s death, but his body had still not been brought back to Pakistan. The deceased’s son, Muzammil Ansari, said the government had failed to play the role expected of it in securing the release of the hostages and repatriating his father’s body.

He said the family had staged a peaceful protest, but the Sindh government responded with a baton charge. Muzammil thanked the Jamaat-e-Islami for raising its voice for the recovery of the hostages and repatriation of the deceased’s body.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026