ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) announced on Monday that it is engaged in intense diplomatic efforts for the safe evacuation of former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces last week after the interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
The FO stated that its embassy in Amman is “working tirelessly to secure the safe evacuation of former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.” Highlighting the critical role of an ally, the statement added, “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 FO also expressed deep gratitude to the “brotherly” government of Jordan for their “exemplary cooperation and generous support.”
The Humanitarian Mission and Diplomatic Condemnation
Senator Khan led the Pakistani delegation on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a 45-vessel mission that included activists and politicians such as Greta Thunberg. The flotilla set sail from Spain last month with the explicit goal of breaching Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has issued dire warnings of famine. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels as they neared the coast and subsequently detained the activists on board.
Pakistan, alongside several other nations, condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the GSF. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for the immediate release of all those illegally apprehended by Israeli forces and commended the “dignified participation” of Pakistani activists in the humanitarian mission. PM Sharif personally assured JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman that the government, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar leading the efforts, was actively pursuing the safe return of the nationals.
Repatriation Confirmed and Legal Process
The FO confirmed through the diplomatic channels of a “friendly European country” that Senator Khan is in the custody of Israeli forces and is currently “safe and in good health.”
Detailing the expected process, the FO stated: “We have been further advised that, in accordance with local legal procedures, [former] senator Mushtaq will be presented before a court. Upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis.”
The incident has resonated strongly at home. Lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir noted on social media that other activists detained in the raid were receiving a hero’s welcome upon their return, expressing hope that Senator Khan will “also return to a hero’s welcome.” The government affirmed its firm demand for the safety, dignity, and earliest possible return of its citizens, underscoring the high-stakes humanitarian diplomacy involved.
