Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announces financial assistance, free education, health care and housing for the families of three Pakistanis killed during an operation to recover a hijacked ship off Somalia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced financial assistance of Rs12.5 million for the family of each of the three Pakistanis killed during an operation to recover a hijacked ship off the coast of Somalia, along with free education and health care for their children and a house for each family.
According to a Prime Minister’s Office statement issued on Oct. 2, 2026, the prime minister also spoke by telephone with Azhan Kashif, the son of Syed Kashif Umar, and expressed his heartfelt condolences over his father’s death.
“We share your grief,” the prime minister told Azhan Kashif, offering prayers for the deceased and asking Allah Almighty to grant him a high place in paradise and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
Shehbaz Sharif assured the bereaved family that the government would take all possible measures to bring the body of Syed Kashif Umar and those of the other two deceased Pakistanis back to Pakistan as soon as possible.
The prime minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all other relevant institutions to maintain direct contact with the families of all three deceased Pakistanis at every stage and provide them with the necessary assistance.
The three Pakistanis who died were Syed Kashif Umar, Mahmood Ahmed Ansari and Rafiullah Khan. They were among five crew members killed during an operation to recover the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 off Somalia’s coast, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Under the relief package announced by the prime minister, each bereaved family will receive Rs12.5 million in financial assistance. The government will also provide free education and health care to the children of the deceased and a house to each family.
The prime minister said the government would not leave the grieving families alone during this difficult time and would extend all possible support and assistance.
He also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s embassy to remain in continuous contact with Somali authorities and other relevant parties to expedite the repatriation of the deceased sailors’ bodies.
In addition to arrangements for the deceased, Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for injured Pakistani crew members and continue all necessary efforts to facilitate the safe return of the remaining Pakistani personnel.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said that three Pakistani nationals were among the five crew members killed during the recovery operation. Four other crew members were injured, including three Pakistanis, while the surviving crew members were brought safely ashore. The government has said it is coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate medical care, repatriation and the safe return of the crew.
The prime minister’s announcement covers financial assistance, housing, education and health care for the families affected by the deaths, while the government continues efforts to bring the deceased sailors’ bodies home and assist the surviving crew members.
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