THE hostages aboard MV Suez hijacked by Somail pirates were released after several months of hectic efforts and fundraising for ransom by social activist Ansar Burney.

After the release of the hostages, Pakistan Navy sent PNS Babur as requested by MV Suez Captain Wasi Ahmed to escort the Egyptian vessel to safety till the port of Salalah.

Earlier, the Indian government and its institutions didn’t take any interest in negotiating the release of six Indian sailors from the pirates. Soon after the release of all the 22 members of the crew, the tickers running on most of the TV channels had messages from ordinary Indians who lashed out at their government for its apathy.

Either due to this pressure from media or for any other unknown reason, the Indian Navy’s INS Godavari maneuvered dangerously, brushing with PNS Babur on June 16. The dangerous maneuver could have harmed the lives of people onboard, including the freed sailors and others involved in the humanitarian mission.

The Pakistan foreign office summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Islamabad to lodge a protest over the incident, saying that it constituted a serious violation of international regulations to safe conduct on high seas. Regardless of real intentions, this incident leaves a bitter taste that upon failing to meet the aspirations of hostages’ families, someone in the power corridors had joked with distressed families. But sorry, it was a crude joke.

MASOOD KHAN Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Kudos to Ansar Burney

INDIA should consider honouring Pakistan’s human rights activist Ansar Burney for his continuous and untiring efforts in the release of captives from Somali pirates. His sincere efforts included the collection of ransom which was paid to the pirates for the release of sailors of Sri Lankan, Egyptian, Indian and Pakistani origin.

There have been occasions in the past when India and Pakistan have honoured each others’ citizens like Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Morarji Desai.

By honouring Ansar Burney, we will not only be honouring mankind but will also be paving the way for better human relations between the two nations. Ansar Burney should also be considered for the Magsaysay Award and even the Nobel Peace Prize.

SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL Delhi

Insensitive society

FOUR Pakistanis who were captured by  Somalian pirates have returned home safely. They were given a warm welcome at the Governor House.

The ship was captured in August last year. They remained hostages for about 11 months, and were brutally treated since they were handcuffed and blindfolded. And to make things worse, they were given boiled rice and a day-old fish to eat, according to social activist Ansar Barney who played a key role in their release.

Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan’s efforts and support are appreciated, but the person who really made it possible is Ansar Burney. He is an inspiration for all Pakistanis. He came to the aid of the captives when most of the people had turned a deaf ear to the cries of our own countrymen.

It is embarrassing that many of us slept peacefully at night, while there were families which spent sleepless nights, praying for the safe return of their loved ones. Just imagine how you would have felt if one of your family members had been held as a hostage by some pirates!

Pakistan is considered to be an underdeveloped country but was able to free all 22 crewmen of the ship, including some Indians.

The Indian media was forced to acknowledge our efforts, and the wife of one of the Indian hostages thanked Pakistan for helping her when the Indian government refused to help. I would like to pay tribute to Ansar Burney for his commendable efforts.

AREESHA ASIF Karachi