Delay in compensation for seafarers’ families alarms Senate committee

Senate committee addresses seafarers compensation

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.

Lawmakers examine cryptocurrency scams and cybercrime

The committee also expressed concern over the growing incidence of cybercrime, ransom-ware attacks, cryptocurrency fraud and schemes promising unusually high returns on investments. Members raised questions about delays in registering complaints and completing investigations, fraudulent calls, misuse of WhatsApp accounts and personal identification information, suspicious bank accounts and the alleged illegal use of SIM cards.

The chairperson called for clear timelines for processing complaints and a mechanism to keep victims informed about progress in their cases. She also asked the relevant authorities to provide verifiable statistics on investigations, recovery of funds and legal proceedings against suspects. Officials informed the committee that suspicious accounts had been frozen in some cases, while the recovery and return of money were being processed in accordance with court orders and applicable laws.

Review of overseas education fraud

The committee also reviewed complaints involving people allegedly defrauded by companies and consultants offering overseas education, study visas and employment opportunities. The chairperson called for verification of the legal status of consultancy firms and effective action against those involved in fraud. The committee took exception to the absence of representatives of the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly as the meeting dealt with complaints involving foreign admissions and visa processes.