ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Monday its embassy in Jordan was working to secure the release “within the next couple of days” of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who was aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla seized by Israeli forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, an aid convoy carrying activists from several countries, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces last Wednesday while sailing toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian assistance. 

The operation resulted in the detention of hundreds of participants, sparking protests in several countries including Pakistan, and prompting diplomatic appeals for their release.

Several Pakistani nationals were on board the flotilla which departed from European ports carrying medical supplies and food for civilians in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis has worsened amid months of Israeli bombardment and aid restrictions.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan through its Embassy in Amman is working tirelessly to secure the safe evacuation of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan,” the FO said in a statement.

“With the invaluable assistance of the Jordanian government, we are hopeful that the process can be successfully concluded within the next couple of days.”

Islamabad thanked Jordan for their “exemplary cooperation and generous support” in this regard.

Pakistan had already coordinated the safe return of several citizens who disembarked earlier, expressing gratitude to “brotherly countries” for assistance. 

The flotilla incident has drawn international condemnation, with rights groups calling for the immediate release of detainees and renewed access for humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

On Sunday, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore to protest Israel’s interception of the flotilla, condemning threats to Palestinian land and rights.

The flotilla consisted of 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.