ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces after they intercepted the Global Sumud aid flotilla bound for Gaza earlier this month, returned to Pakistan on Thursday following his release from Israeli custody.
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was warmly received at the airport by hundreds of pro-Palestinian supporters, including members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and civil society activists, who gathered to express solidarity.
Waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in support of Gaza, the crowd welcomed him with enthusiasm.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international aid convoy carrying activists from multiple countries, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces on October 1 while enroute to Gaza with humanitarian supplies.
The interception led to the detention of hundreds of participants, triggering protests in Pakistan and several other countries.
The former Pakistani senator was among several Pakistani nationals aboard the flotilla, which set sail from European ports carrying medical supplies and food for civilians in Gaza.
The mission aimed to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region, where months of Israeli bombardment and aid restrictions have severely impacted the population.
Earlier, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan released his first video message after being freed from Israeli detention. In the message posted on his official Facebook page, Mushtaq Ahmed said he and some 150 colleagues have reached Jordan after their release.
He said they were held for five days in the notorious Ketziot detention facility before being freed.
Ex Senator Mushtaq returns to Pakistan to a hero’s welcome. pic.twitter.com/j7ToGrw5ZM
— The Pakistan Daily (@ThePakDaily) October 9, 2025
Describing the conditions of detention, the former lawmaker said prisoners were handcuffed behind their backs, shackled at the feet, blindfolded, and attacked with dogs.
He alleged that detainees were subjected to severe mistreatment and torture.
On Tuesday, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said Khan had arrived at the Pakistani embassy in Amman, Jordan, and was in “good health and high spirits”, adding that he would return on October 9.
“Senator Mushtaq Ahmad has safely departed for Pakistan,” the Pakistani embassy said on X. “In accordance with the instructions of the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Amman ensured all necessary arrangements were made for his safe and smooth departure.”
Alhamdulillah, Senator Mushtaq Ahmad has safely departed for Pakistan.
In accordance with the instructions of the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Amman ensured all necessary arrangements were made for his safe and smooth departure.… pic.twitter.com/jjy30Tnrdm— Pakistan Embassy Jordan (@PakinJordan) October 8, 2025
Pakistan earlier thanked Jordan for its “exemplary cooperation and generous support” in this regard.
