MUSCAT: The Pakistani community residing in the Sultanate hosted an evening with Ali Al Jafari and Salem Al Jafari to celebrate their safe return to homeland Oman.
Ali and Salem, hailing from Al Ashkhara in the Sharqiyah region, had set out for a fishing trip in the wee hours of June 9. But they ventured too far into the ocean to catch tuna fish. Around 5 pm when they began their journey home, the engine of their boat failed. Their cell phones ran out of battery which left them with no means to communicate.
Additionally, due to monsoon season, their boat went adrift towards the west coast for six days till it reached the jurisdiction of their neighbouring country Pakistan. A fishing boat noticed them on the 9th day and rescued them.
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Finally, after nine days, word was sent to their families back home about Ali and Salem’s rescue. On the other hand, a huge search operation was undertaken by both the Royal Oman Police and Coast Guard.
Mian Mohammed Munir, former Chairman Pakistan Social Club hosted a celebration at Al Murooj Hotel. The chief guest was H.E Rashid Abdullah Al Ghailani – Member Majlis Al Shura and Guest of Honour was Captain. Kashif Farhan – defence Attaché at Embassy of Pakistan in Oman.
Senior community members and other dignitaries were also invited. Ghailani thanked Pakistan government and Pakistan Navy for their utmost support. Captain Kashif Farhan said, “Both nations are not just neighbours but we are brothers.”
Counsellor Mr. Amjad Malik assured that they will grant visas to Oman Fisherman’s Association for their upcoming visit to Pakistan. The association members will be meeting the Pakistan Navy officials along with the fishermen crew who found and rescued Ali and Salem.
The event was conceptualised by Maqbool Ahmed Sheikh and the management team consisted of Arshad Ali Khan, Ch. Abbas, Nasser Marouf, Shabbir Ahmed, Kashif Zaeem, Mohd. Kaleem and Shaandar Bukhari.
Prominent community members Asif Shakeel, Ch Ashraf, Imran Iqbal, Abid Mughal, Dr. Sharif, Abdul Rahman Guloo, Ch. Asghar and Iqbal bhai of Haseena Jewellery also participated in the event.
Senior Pakistani community member Syedzada Sakhawat Bukhari, philanthropist Mohd. Ali Fazal, Sheikh of Pakistani community Syed Fayyaz, Yasin Bhatti, Sheikh Abdullah Al Ajmi, Sheikha Azza Al Maqbali were also present while Omani poet Tariq Zaki recited a couplet written for Ali and Salem.
