ISLAMABAD: Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan has been confirmed to be in the custody of Israeli occupation forces along with other Pakistani nationals, but officials claim that they are safe and well.
The dramatic development comes amid rising tensions surrounding the Freedom Flotilla. The Foreign Office revealed that Pakistan, with the help of a friendly European country, has confirmed the senator’s safety.
Mushtaq Ahmed is expected to appear in an Israeli court soon, after which arrangements will be made for his immediate return to Pakistan under deportation orders.
Islamabad is reportedly working round the clock with international partners to ensure the safety and prompt repatriation of all its citizens illegally detained abroad. Authorities have already successfully coordinated the safe return of those who left the flotilla, and have thanked allied countries for their support.
The government has assured that all measures are being taken to safely bring its citizens home, with the repatriation process expected to be completed in the coming days.
Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Samad Flotilla (GSF), which was trying to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla included activists and politicians, such as Greta Thunberg and former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who were reportedly detained by Israeli forces.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said all passengers were safe and would be deported to Europe, claiming the flotilla failed to breach the naval blockade. Live footage showed Israeli soldiers boarding the ships, while passengers were on deck in life jackets.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attack “cowardly” and demanded the immediate release of those detained. The incident drew international condemnation. Malaysia, Turkey, Colombia, the United Kingdom and Spain condemned Israel’s actions, with some countries demanding the release of their citizens. Protests broke out in several countries, including Italy, Greece and Ireland.
