ISLAMABAD — Former JI senator Mushtaq Ahmed received a rousing reception in Islamabad on Thursday after his return from Jordan, where he had been deported following his detention by Israeli authorities. Ahmed was among the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy that set sail to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver aid to Palestinians.
According to Dawn News, Ahmed was detained on October 2 when Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters. After several days in custody, he was deported to Jordan, from where he made his way back to Pakistan.
On his arrival at Islamabad airport, the former lawmaker was seen donning a keffiyeh, a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Supporters showered him with rose petals, placed garlands around his neck, and raised slogans in his honor. The scene resembled a celebration of defiance, with many hailing him as a symbol of resistance and courage.
Party workers, civil society members, and activists gathered in large numbers, holding banners and chanting slogans in support of the Palestinian struggle. Ahmed, visibly moved by the reception, thanked the people of Pakistan for their prayers and solidarity. He reiterated that the flotilla’s mission was not just about aid but about breaking the silence on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising dozens of vessels, had drawn international attention for its attempt to challenge Israel’s blockade. While most participants were detained and later deported, the mission has been described by activists as a moral victory, highlighting the plight of Palestinians under siege.
Ahmed’s return has sparked renewed debate in Pakistan about the country’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause. Political leaders and rights groups have lauded his participation, framing it as part of Pakistan’s long-standing solidarity with Palestine.
As chants of “Mushtaq Ahmed Zindabad” echoed at the airport, the former senator declared that the struggle for Gaza would continue. “This is not the end,” he said. “It is the beginning of a stronger movement for justice and humanity.”