KARACHI: Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi on Thursday distributed cheques for Rs26 million each among the families of three Pakistanis who were martyred while in the captivity of Somali pirates on hijacked oil tanker MT Honour 25.

The financial assistance cheques were presented to the families of Mahmood Ahmed Ansari, Syed Kashif Umar and Rafiullah Khan on the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said a Governor House statement.

It said the bereaved families thanked the prime minister, saying that the government had stood by them and provided support during this difficult time.

Last week, PM Shehbaz announced financial support for the families of the deceased, including free housing and free education for their children.

A Governor House spokesperson said the prime minister had announced Rs12.5m in financial assistance and a plot for each family. “Cheques for Rs12.5m and Rs13.5m for plot purchase have been presented to each family,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2026