Delay in compensation for seafarers’ families alarms Senate committee

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functio­nal Committee on Human Rights on Tuesday expressed concern over delays in compensation to families of Pakistani seafarers affected by a hostage-taking incident off Somalia. The committee, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, also discussed cybercrime, crypto-currency related scams, fraudulent investment schemes and the circulation of inappropriate content targeting children on social media. Taking up the case of Pakistani seafarers, the committee sought explanations from officials over delays in the crew’s release, repatriation of a deceased seafarer’s body, medical treatment for injured crew members and financial assistance to affected families. Director of the Shipping Wing Arif Haroon briefed the committee on the incident.

Members were informed that discussions were underway between the ship owner, the manning agency and parties associated with protection and indemnity insurance over compensation payments. Senator Quratul Ain Marri sought details of assistance provided by the federal government to the families of deceased seafarers. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri directed the authorities to submit a complete record of crew salaries, medical treatment and financial payments made from April to September. They were also asked to verify reports regarding the prime minister’s announcement of financial assistance and provide details of the amount paid to the families. The chairperson stressed that insurance-related procedures and disputes among the parties concerned should not cause unnecessary delays in payments to affected families. She sought a comprehensive report on compensation, medical facilities and assistance provided to the victims. The committee also expressed concern over the growing incidence of cybercrime, ransom-ware attacks,…