Families of Pakistani Hostages Held by Somali Pirates Stage Protest in Karachi
A large number of affected family members, including women and children, participated in the protest. Demonstrators carried placards and banners while continuously chanting slogans to urge the government to take immediate action.
The protesters stated that it is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens and demanded that the Government of Pakistan take effective diplomatic measures to secure the release of the ten Pakistanis held captive in Somalia.
Addressing the protest, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Saifuddin Advocate said, “We always hear that the homeland is like a mother, but what kind of mother is this whose children remain hostage in Somalia?”
He added that while the Government of Pakistan has shown active diplomacy in resolving major international issues, including facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, similar urgency should be shown to ensure the safe return of the Pakistani hostages.
The protesters urged authorities to prioritize the issue and bring the kidnapped citizens back home as soon as possible.