KARACHI: Seven Pakistani crew members of MV Albedo ship, taken hostage by Somali pirates nearly two years ago, have been released.

The  announcement was made by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at a news conference on Wednesday.

He said the sailors would reach Karachi on Thursday at 9:30 pm.

Family members of the seamen were also present.

The Governor said no ransom had been paid for the release of the hostages and only $1 million had been paid on account of expenses.

Dr Ishratul Ebad thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik, Director General ISI, Malik Riaz of Bahria Town, Citizens Police Liaison Committee chief Ahmed Chinoy, other philanthropists and institutions.

He also thanked Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain and said he guided on every occasion on the matter.

The Governor congratulated the family members of the sailors, and said today he had fulfilled his promise.

On the occasion, MQM chief Altaf Hussain talked to the Governor and the family members of the sailors from London. He appreciated the efforts of the Governor and felicitated the families of seamen.

The family members of sailors thanked the President, the Prime Minister, the MQM chief and particularly the Sindh Governor and the CPLC chief.

MV Albedo was hijacked by Somali pirates in November 2010.