KARACHI: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi on Monday met with family members of 11 Pakistani crew members kidnapped by pirates who hijacked an oil tanker near Somalia last week.

He assured the families that the federal government would not leave them alone under any circumstances.

Last week, armed pirates had hijacked the oil tanker near the Somali coast and took 11 Pakistani crew members and the Indonesian captain of the vessel hostage.

The governor, along with families of the kidnapped individuals, told a press conference that the federal government was taking all-out measures to secure the safe release of the Pakistani crew members.

Meets affected families, assures them of full cooperation

He said that both the federal and Sindh governments stand with the affected families in this difficult time.

He added that immediate contact was established with the families and their concerns were heard and full cooperation was assured.

The governor noted that communication with the hostages remained intact and efforts for their safe recovery were ongoing at all levels.

He said that discussions were also underway with the European Union regarding the recovery of the hostages.

The incident occurred outside Pakistan’s maritime boundaries, which has led to certain complexities, he added.

On the occasion, the families of the kidnapped individuals expressed gratitude to the governor for promptly taking up the matter with the federal government.

They said the government action provided hope that their loved ones will return safely soon.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026