Pakistan condoles loss of lives during recovery of hijacked vessel MT Honour 25

Pakistan on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of five crew members during an operation to recover the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia, including three Pakistani nationals. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs named the Pakistani victims as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari. “The Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, ” it said, adding that Pakistan prays for strength and comfort for the families and for the departed souls to rest in peace. Four crew members were also injured, three of them Pakistani nationals. They have been taken to a nearby hospital and are receiving medical care, the ministry said. The surviving crew members of the vessel have been brought safely ashore at Bandar Beyla. The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s Embassy team in Djibouti is proceeding to Bandar Beyla to assist the Pakistani nationals. The government, through its Mission and relevant authorities, is in close contact with Somali authorities and other stakeholders. Every possible effort is being made to ensure proper medical care for the injured, facilitate the transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased, and secure the safe return of the surviving Pakistani crew members, the statement added.

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