The families of Pakistani nationals being held hostage by Somali pirates have renewed their appeal for urgent government intervention as the ordeal entered its 40th day, as relatives claim that the captives are facing deteriorating living conditions and growing health risks.

In a video statement, Ayesha Amin, wife of hostage Amin Bin Shams, urged the Pakistani government to take immediate and effective steps to secure the safe release of her husband and other Pakistanis being held by pirates.

She said the prolonged captivity had left families trapped in a state of uncertainty, distress and emotional trauma.

According to Ayesha Amin, the condition of the hostages is worsening with each passing day.

Citing information received by the families, she said food supplies available to the captives had nearly run out and that they were reportedly surviving on raw rice and contaminated water, raising serious concerns about their health and well-being.

She also alleged that the company operating the vessel linked to the incident had failed to play an effective role in securing the release of the hostages or addressing their plight, further deepening the anxiety of family members.

Ayesha said the families had endured 40 days of anguish and suffering, with every passing day becoming increasingly difficult. She added that the emotional toll was particularly severe on children separated from their fathers.

She revealed that her children ask daily when their father will return home, but the family has so far been unable to explain the full situation to them.

She said that the innocent questions of the children and the prolonged separation from their father have become an unbearable source of pain and worry for the family.

Appealing directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Field Marshal Asim Munir, she urged the authorities to intervene on humanitarian grounds and employ all available diplomatic and administrative channels to ensure the safe and early recovery of the Pakistani hostages.

The families said they remained hopeful that the government would take swift and effective measures to protect the lives of its citizens and facilitate their safe return home so they could be reunited with their loved ones.