Somali pirates release four Pakistanis and 18 other hostages

KARACHI: Somali pirates released four Pakistani and 18 other hostages after ransom was paid to them, Ansar Burney Trust Chairman Ansar Burney said on Monday.

Pirates had kidnapped a group of 22 crew members, 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 negotiated with the pirates and raised money through donations, said that all hostages have been freed and they would reach homes in few days as arrangements for their repatriation are being made.

Burney said a ship was hired on rent to carry money to pirates. He said money was arranged but most difficult part was its delivery.

Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2011