The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) announced on Monday that it is working “tirelessly” to ensure the safe evacuation of former Jamaat-i-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was taken into custody by Israel last week. Khan had been leading Pakistan’s delegation aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a 45-ship convoy carrying international activists and aid supplies for Gaza.
The flotilla, which set sail from Spain last month, included prominent figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg. Its mission was to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has repeatedly warned of worsening famine conditions. However, Israeli forces intercepted the convoy, detaining several participants, including Khan.
In a statement, the FO said Pakistan’s embassy in Amman is coordinating closely with Jordanian authorities to secure Khan’s release. “With the invaluable assistance of the Jordanian government, we are hopeful that the process can be successfully concluded within the next couple of days,” the ministry noted, while also expressing gratitude to Jordan for its “exemplary cooperation and generous support.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism worldwide. Pakistan, along with several other nations, condemned what it described as Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the humanitarian flotilla. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also weighed in, urging the immediate release of all detainees. In a post on X, he praised the “dignified participation” of Pakistani activists in the mission and reaffirmed the government’s demand for their safe return.
According to Dawn News, this is not the first time Israel has blocked such attempts. In June, another aid vessel, the Madleen, carrying 12 people including journalists and activists, was similarly intercepted.
For now, Pakistan’s diplomatic channels remain active, with officials expressing cautious optimism that Mushtaq Ahmad Khan will be back home soon.