A fishing boat carrying more than 15 fishermen from Khojri area of Bannu sank in Omani waters after catching fire, leaving many missing and feared dead.

According to details, the accident occurred when a sudden blaze engulfed the boat. So far, only one young fisherman, Hameedullah son of Nazarullah, has been rescued alive. Speaking to his family, Hameedullah said the fire broke out unexpectedly, and while he managed to survive, there has been no information about the others onboard.

The list of missing fishermen includes Shah Mahmood son of Basar Ali, Hameed son of Rooh Niaz, Waqas son of Ahmad Khan, Shah Riaz son of Sher Andaz, Wahab son of Maqbool, Zohaib son of Sher Ali Baz, Dil Nawaz son of Saeed Nawaz, Khub Nawaz son of Saeed Nawaz, Shafiullah son of Kabot Khan, Waseem son of Umar Khan, Barkatullah son of Rehamullah Jan, Naseem son of Sher Ali, Umar Ali son of Sarani Khan, Zubair son of Dilai, and Kifat son of Ameenullah. Local sources said the identities of some others are still being verified.

Following the incident, Member of the National Assembly Maulana Naseem Ali Shah contacted the Pakistani ambassador in Oman and met with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. He urged immediate measures to locate the missing fishermen and ensure their safe return.

Meanwhile, Omani authorities and relevant agencies have launched search operations for the missing men. Local residents and the affected families have appealed to the Government of Pakistan to take urgent steps for the recovery of the fishermen.