ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan had been released and moved safely to the Pakistan embassy in Jordan after being detained by Israeli forces during the interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which carried activists from several countries, was stopped by Israeli naval forces last week as it sailed toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian assistance. The operation led to the detention of hundreds of participants, sparking protests in several countries, including Pakistan, and prompting diplomatic appeals for their release.
Khan was among those on board the convoy, which departed from European ports carrying medical supplies and food for civilians in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis has deepened amid months of Israeli bombardment and aid restrictions.
“I am pleased to confirm that former Senator Mushtaq has been released and is now safely with Pakistan Embassy in Amman,” Dar said in a post on X.
“He is in good health and high spirits,” he added. “The embassy stands ready to facilitate his return to Pakistan in accordance with his wishes and convenience.”
Dar extended his gratitude to friendly nations that actively engaged and assisted the government in its efforts to secure the ex-senator’s release.
In a video posted on X after his release, Khan said he had arrived in Jordan with about 150 companions after being held in Israeli detention for five to six days.
“During this time, our hands were cuffed behind our backs, chains were fastened around our legs, our eyes were blindfolded, dogs were set upon us, guns were aimed at us and we were subjected to brutal torture,” he said.
“We went on a three-day hunger strike to press our demands, with no access to fresh air, drinking water or medicine,” he continued, vowing not to give up his struggle for Palestinian independence.
Khan said the group would keep trying to break Israel’s aid blockade and continue efforts to help Gaza, adding that he would share details of the flotilla raid and his detention in Israel after returning to Pakistan.
The flotilla incident has drawn international condemnation, with rights groups calling for the immediate release of detainees and renewed humanitarian access to Gaza.
On Sunday, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore to protest Israel’s interception of the aid convoy, condemning what they described as threats to Palestinian land and rights.
The flotilla comprised 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who was also released on Monday.
