Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged financial assistance and support for the families of three Pakistanis who lost their lives during a rescue operation off the coast of Somalia. According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister made this commitment during a telephone conversation with Azhan Kashif, the son of one of the deceased, Syed Kashif Omar.

The Prime Minister assured the grieving families that they would not face this ordeal alone, promising 12.5 million rupees in financial assistance for each family, free education and healthcare for the children, and the provision of a house for each affected family. Sharif expressed condolences and prayed for the deceased, emphasizing the government’s commitment to repatriating the bodies of the deceased as soon as possible.

Sharif instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant institutions to maintain direct contact with the families affected by the tragedy. Kashif Omar was among the three Pakistanis killed during an operation to rescue a hijacked ship in Somali waters. The Prime Minister further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Embassy to work closely with Somali authorities to expedite the repatriation process and to ensure the best possible medical treatment for any injured Pakistanis.