Four Pakistani sailors held captive for more than five months aboard a tanker hijacked by Somali pirates are set to arrive in Karachi on Sunday, a day later than previously announced, as authorities continue efforts to repatriate the bodies of three compatriots killed during the ordeal.
Yasir Khan, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Usman Ghani are booked on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET694 from Addis Ababa, with an expected arrival at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 4:40 p.m. on October 4, according to travel documents obtained by Arab News.
Repatriation Delayed by One Day
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had said on Friday that the four sailors would arrive in Karachi on Saturday, following sustained efforts by Pakistan’s Foreign Office and its embassy in Djibouti to secure their release and return.
The one-day delay reflects the logistical complexities involved in arranging travel from the Horn of Africa, where the sailors were freed after months of captivity.
Three Crew Members Killed
While the four survivors prepare to reunite with their families, Pakistani authorities are still working to bring home the bodies of three sailors who lost their lives during the hijacking incident. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been fully disclosed.
The vessel was seized by Somali pirates operating in the waters off the Horn of Africa, a region that has seen a resurgence of piracy activity in recent years after a period of relative calm.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office coordinated with its embassy in Djibouti to secure the sailors’ release
- The four freed men spent more than five months in captivity
- Repatriation of three deceased crew members remains ongoing
- Somali piracy has re-emerged as a threat to international shipping lanes
The return of the sailors marks the end of a prolonged ordeal for their families, who had awaited news of their loved ones since the hijacking. The recovery of the remaining bodies remains a priority for Pakistani diplomatic missions in the region.
