Pakistan Working for Release of Ex-Senator Detained by Israel During Gaza Aid Mission

ISLAMABAD, Oct 6 Ali Imran Chattha 

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has expressed confidence that the evacuation of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces after participating in a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, will be completed within the next few days. The government has intensified diplomatic efforts through the Pakistani embassy in Amman, Jordan, to ensure his safe and early return.
Evacuation Expected Within Days
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Sunday that Islamabad is “closely coordinating with the Jordanian government and international partners” to secure the release of the former senator and other Pakistani nationals detained during the raid.
She confirmed that Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is “safe, in good health, and being treated as per local legal procedures.” The FO thanked Jordan for extending full cooperation and assistance.
Flotilla Intercepted by Israeli Navy
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) — a humanitarian mission carrying activists, politicians, and aid workers — was intercepted by Israeli naval forces on October 1 as it attempted to deliver supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip.
The flotilla, consisting of over 40 small vessels, aimed to challenge Israel’s longstanding blockade on Gaza and deliver food, medical, and relief goods. Among those detained were several Pakistanis, including Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Mazhar Saeed Shah, Wajahat Ahmad, Dr. Osama Riaz, Ismail Khan, Syed Aziz Nizami, and Fahad Ishtiaq.
Witnesses aboard the flotilla reported that Israeli forces boarded the ships in international waters, seizing control and detaining activists. The detainees were later taken to Israel for legal processing and possible deportation.
Reports of Mistreatment
Several activists claimed they faced poor conditions while in Israeli custody — including inadequate food and water, unhygienic facilities, and coercion to participate in humiliating acts such as holding Israeli flags for photos.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was part of the flotilla, also described the detention conditions as “degrading and unlawful,” calling for the immediate release of all detainees.
 Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts and Official Reactions
 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman that the government was utilizing all diplomatic channels to ensure Mushtaq Ahmad Khan’s safe return.
 “I have directed the Foreign Minister to personally oversee the process and maintain close coordination with Jordanian and international authorities,” the prime minister said in a statement.
 The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, calling the interception of the humanitarian flotilla “a violation of international law and the principles of humanitarian relief.” It also reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the people of Palestine and their struggle for freedom and dignity.”
 Background on Mushtaq Ahmad Khan
 Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a senior leader of Jamaat-e-Islami and former member of Pakistan’s Senate (2018–2024), joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights and has represented Pakistan on multiple international platforms on issues of justice and human rights.
 Global and Regional Reactions
 The interception has sparked international criticism, with several human rights organizations accusing Israel of violating maritime and humanitarian laws. Many countries have demanded that all detainees be released immediately and unharmed.
 Meanwhile, the Jordanian government has pledged full cooperation with Pakistan to facilitate the evacuation process. The FO expects that the matter will be resolved “in the next couple of days,” after necessary legal formalities are completed.
 A Broader Symbol of Solidarity
 The flotilla incident has reignited global debate over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the right of international activists to deliver humanitarian aid. For Pakistan, the episode underscores its continued support for the Palestinian cause and the risks faced by those attempting to deliver aid amid one of the world’s longest-running conflicts.