PM announces aid, houses for families of Pakistani hostages killed during Somalia rescue

The prime minister said the government shared the grief of the bereaved families and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased high ranks in paradise and give their families strength to bear the loss.

Shehbaz Sharif said the families of the three Pakistanis killed during the recovery operation in Somalia — Syed Kashif Umar, Mahmood Ahmed Ansari and Rafiullah Khan — would each receive Rs12.5 million in government financial assistance.

He further announced that the government would provide free education and healthcare facilities to the children of the deceased, besides providing a house to each family. The prime minister said the bereaved families would not be left alone during this difficult time and that the government would provide all possible assistance and support.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant institutions to accelerate efforts to repatriate the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis to the country as soon as possible while maintaining continuous contact with Somali authorities and other parties.

The prime minister also directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to Pakistanis injured in Somalia and continue all possible efforts for the safe return of other Pakistani crew members.

It may be recalled that five people were killed during a Somali forces operation to rescue the crew of the vessel Honor 25, which had reportedly been held hostage for five months. Three Pakistani nationals were among those killed.