Key points
- FO confirms Mushtaq Ahmad “in the custody of the Israeli occupying forces”
- Diplomatic engagement underway through friendly European country
- Deportation orders awaited for fast-track repatriation
- Pakistan thanks partner nations for earlier assistance
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday confirmed that former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad, who was detained following the interception of the Sumud humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, “is in the custody of the Israeli occupying forces and is safe and in good health.”
Responding to media inquiries, the Foreign Office stated that “Pakistan is actively engaged with its international partners to ensure the safety and prompt repatriation of its citizens who were illegally detained by the Israeli occupying forces.”
The statement added that confirmation of Senator Mushtaq’s condition came “through the diplomatic channels of a friendly European country,” and that “in accordance with local legal procedures, Senator Mushtaq will be presented before a court. Upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis,” added the FO statement.
The ministry noted that it had already coordinated the safe return of individuals who had disembarked earlier, expressing “profound gratitude to the brotherly countries that assisted in the repatriation of our citizens.”
Although Pakistan and Israel do not maintain diplomatic relations, Islamabad has engaged friendly European and regional partners to safeguard its nationals. The Foreign Office’s firm wording underscored Pakistan’s principled stance on the Palestinian cause and its consistent rejection of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The interception of the Sumud flotilla — part of an international civil society effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amid Israel’s continuing blockade — has drawn global attention to the plight of civilians in the besieged enclave.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment, the Foreign Office said the Government of Pakistan “remains committed to the protection of all its citizens abroad and anticipates the completion of this repatriation process within the coming days.”
