Karachi: Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman on Wednesday said that three Pakistani citizens lost their lives in the captivity of Somali pirates due to the negligence and incompetence of the government.

He was speaking to the media after visiting the residence of Syed Kashif Umar, who was killed in firing by Somali pirates, to offer condolences to his family.

Hafiz Naeem met the victim's father Syed Farooq Umar, brother Syed Asif Umar and sons Syed Aizan Umar and Syed Youhan Umar and offered Fateha for the departed soul.

"The government failed to secure the release of Pakistani nationals held hostage by pirates, as a result of which breadwinners of three families have lost their lives," he said.

"We have come here to condole with the children of the deceased. The children are saying that you had said our father would be recovered, but the pirates killed him," he added.

He said that he had personally contacted the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and other relevant institutions wherever possible for the early recovery of the Pakistani citizens.

Demanding financial assistance for the bereaved families, the JI chief said that no compensation can substitute a human life, however, the state should provide financial support to the affected families so that some solace can be provided to them.

He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased the status of martyrdom and give patience to the bereaved families.

Hafiz Naeem demanded that the government take immediate steps to bring the mortal remains of Shaheed Syed Kashif Umar and other victims back to Pakistan in a dignified manner at the earliest.

On the occasion, JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar Khan, JI District Central Ameer Syed Wajih Hassan, District Secretary Sohail Zaidi, North Nazimabad Town Chairman Atif Ali Khan, District North Ameer Tariq Mujtaba, Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, JI Karachi Information Secretary Zahid Askari and a large number of local office-bearers and workers were also present.