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KARACHI: Somali pirates on Monday released four Pakistanis and 18 other hostages after ransom was paid to them, says Ansar Burney Chairman of Ansar Burney Trust.
Somali pirates had kidnapped a group of 22 crew members, who also included Egyptians, Indians and a Sri Lankan in August last year, on board vessel MV Suez of an Egyptian company and had demanded $2.1 millions for their release.
Ansar Burney, who negotiated with the pirates and raised money through donations, said that all the hostages have been freed and that they would reach home in a few days as arrangements for their repatriation are being made.
The freed Pakistani captain of the ship, Mohammad Wasi told a private television channel on phone that all the hostages have been freed.
He said Somali pirates on at least four occasions threatened all hostages that they would kill them if the required ransom money was not arranged. Pirates had given several deadlines and extended deadlines as they were told money is being arranged.
He said 40 to 50 armed pirates would always guard them and they were given only rice and pulses for the past 11 months.
The freed hostages include four Pakistanis, six Indians, 11 Egyptians and one Sri Lankan, Captain Wasi said. He said most of the freed hostages are sick.
Burney, also former federal minister and prominent civil right activist, said a ship was hired on rent to carry money to the pirates.
He said Pakistani people donated for the release of the Pakistani hostages and people in the respective countries of other hostages also gave donations to pay ransom.
