Karachi: Jamaat-i-Islami Karachi chief Monem Zafar along with Deputy Secretary Rashid Qureshi and District South chief Sufiyan Dilawar visited the residence of Rafiullah, resident of Manora martyred in firing by Somali pirates, met his father and family members and offered condolences, here on Tuesday.Talking to the family, he said the martyrdom of Rafiullah was extremely tragic and a tragedy for the entire nation."The martyrdom of Rafiullah and prolonged hostage of other Pakistani citizens by Somali pirates was serious failure of the government. The government did not take effective steps for timely recovery of its citizens and protection of their lives, due to which precious human lives were lost," he said.The government should conduct complete investigation of the incident, fix responsibility and adopt an effective and permanent strategy to keep Pakistani citizens safe from threats like sea piracy in future, he said. The state cannot be negligent in its responsibility to protect its citizens.He sa id it was responsibility of the government to take immediate and effective steps for safe return of Pakistani citizens held hostage at sea. "It is regrettable that Pakistani citizens remained hostage at the hands of pirates for months at sea and no timely and effective steps were taken by the government. Government must ensure protection of life and property of its citizens," he said.Monem Zafar said thousands of Pakistani citizens like Rafiullah travel by sea for employment for their families, their protection was responsibility of the state. No Pakistani citizen could be left helpless."We express heartfelt sympathy with family of martyr Rafiullah and Jamaat-i-Islami stands with the martyr's family in this hour of grief and shares their sorrow equally. May Allah Almighty forgive martyr Rafiullah, elevate his ranks and grant patience to his family," he prayed.