Karachi: (RightNow) Families of Pakistani hostages in Somalia protested outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Karachi. Police intervened and arrested several demonstrators.

Protesters were staging a sit-in on Shahrah-e-Faisal. Police detained multiple individuals during the operation. The demonstrators had threatened a hunger strike.

At Tipu Sultan Police Station, affected families demanded the release of the protesters. Following appeals from the families, police released the eleven arrested individuals.

Police had detained six men and five women. Items seized during the operation were also returned to the protesters.

It is noteworthy that Somali pirates have taken several Pakistanis hostage, and their families are appealing to the government for assistance.