ISLAMABAD, JAN 9 (DNA) – The five Pakistani nationals who were earlier stranded on a ship, off the coast of Safaga in Egypt were produced in an Egyptian court.

An officer from our Mission in Cairo was deputed to assist our nationals during the court proceedings.

The crew has been charged with involvement in drug smuggling, which was allegedly found on the ship.

The crew has denied any involvement stating that they were hired for transportation of cargo by an agent of M/s Marseilli Shipping Lines in Dubai.

The Mission is actively pursuing the matter and remains in regular contact with the local authorities and the five Pakistani nationals, said Foreign Office spokesman on Wednesday.=DNA