Hussain Yousaf, Imran Ali and Muhammad Yasin, who were serving aboard the oil tanker MT Honor 25, arrived at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The three men were warmly welcomed by their families, relatives and friends, who presented them with flower garlands. Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and other officials were also present at the airport.
Emotional scenes were witnessed as the recovered crew members reunited with their families after a long separation. Family members embraced their loved ones and expressed relief and happiness over their safe return.
Officials said special arrangements had been made for the returning Pakistanis by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation and airport authorities.
A medical team from Jinnah Hospital, led by Dr Sanobar, was also present at the airport to conduct medical examinations of the three returnees.
The MT Honor 25 had been seized by Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia, following which diplomatic efforts were launched to secure the release and safe return of the Pakistani crew members.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had earlier confirmed that three Pakistanis were rescued from the pirates’ custody following sustained efforts by relevant authorities and diplomatic channels.
Other Pakistanis affected by the Somalia incident, including the remains of those who died, had already been brought back to Pakistan.
The return of the three crew members has brought relief to their families, who had been waiting for their safe return after a prolonged period in captivity.
