Government announces financial assistance, housing, education and healthcare support for families of three Pakistanis killed off Somalia.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced Rs12.5 million in financial assistance for each family of three Pakistanis killed during a rescue operation involving a hijacked ship off the Somali coast.

The Prime Minister spoke by telephone with Azhan Kashif, son of Pakistani national Syed Kashif Umar, who lost his life during the operation, and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

“We fully share in your grief,” the Prime Minister said, praying for the deceased and asking Allah Almighty to grant the family strength to bear the loss.

Kashif Umar was among three Pakistani nationals who died during the rescue operation. The other victims were Mahmood Ahmed Ansari and Rafiullah Khan.

In addition to the Rs12.5 million compensation, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced free education and healthcare facilities for the children of each deceased Pakistani. He also directed the government to provide a house to each affected family.

The Prime Minister assured the families that the government would stand by them during the difficult period and provide all possible assistance.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Embassy to accelerate efforts for the repatriation of the deceased Pakistanis and maintain close contact with their families.

Authorities were also instructed to coordinate with Somali officials and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the safe return of the bodies to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered all necessary measures to ensure the best possible medical treatment for Pakistanis injured in the incident.

He also directed the authorities to facilitate the safe return of the remaining Pakistani personnel and maintain close coordination throughout the repatriation and recovery process.