22 released captives get heroic welcome at Naval Dockyard

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22 released captives get heroic welcome at Naval Dockyard

* Special ceremony organised at the Governor’s House to celebrate arrival of all hostages from Somalia

Staff Report

KARACHI: Authorities on Thursday gave a heroic welcome to all 22 rescued crewmembers of the MV Suez here at Pakistan Navy Dockyard on their release after 11 months of captivity by the Somali pirates.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, chief of Ansar Burney Trust Ansar Burney, his brother, CPLC chief Ahmad Chinoy, families of Pakistani hostages and many more prominent people received all 22 freed hostages warmly at Karachi’s naval facility. All key media channels telecasted live scenes of their arrival whilst especially arranged musical bands played music for their welcome on the occasion.

Laila Wasi, Captain Wasi’s daughter, was the key focal person of media and every camera tried to capture her frames to the maximum extent. Emotions remained uncontrollable for many but Laila and her father Captain Hasan could not control their tears and started crying with joy upon meeting each other after 11 months.

After arrival of hostages at the Karachi Dockyard, Sindh governor, Captain Hasan and few others addressed briefly and apologised to the media about their inability to give details.

Speaking to the media after the arrival of the crew, human rights advocate, Ansar Burney thanked Navy Chief Admiral Noman Bashir and DG Inter Services Intelligence Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha for the role they played in bringing the crew back home.

Later, the crewmembers moved to Governor House to attend an official reception given by the Sindh governor in honour of hostages and their families for boosting the morale as well. Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan personally drove his car and took Captain Wasi, Laila Wasi and Ansar Burney with him directly to the Governor House.

A special ceremony was organised at the Governor House to celebrate the arrival of all hostages from Somalia.

Governor Sindh appreciated untiring efforts of Ansar Burney, Ahmad Chinoy, Laila Wasi and paid tributes to those who helped in arranging ransom as well as bringing back all hostages successfully and safely from the custody of Somali pirates.

A large number of prominent personalities including social and political leaders, artists, relatives of Pakistani hostages, a large number of media persons and others attended the ceremony.

Earlier Thursday’s evening, PNS Zulfiqar berthed at about 04:30pm carrying Captain Hassan along with 22 other hostages released by the Somali pirates. Released hostages reached Naval Dockyard after six days of sea journey. Ship Captain Wasi Hasan, Engineer Syed Alam, Chief Officer Ali Rehman and Diesel Mechanic Muzzammil were among Pakistani hostages.

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan