ISLAMABAD: At least six Pakistanis, including a former senator and a minister from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are among the activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces.
The delegation is led by Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a former senator known for his outspoken support of Palestine. Alongside him is Mazhar Saeed Shah, Information Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), who has called participation in the flotilla a “moral duty” to stand with Palestinians under siege.
Other than Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and Mazhar Saeed Shah, local media reports and activist networks have also identified Ismail Khan, Syed Aziz Nizami, Dr Osama Riaz, Mr. Wahaj Ahmad, and Maulana Khateeb ul Rehman as part of the Pakistani team.
Together, they represent a cross-section of political, religious, and civil society voices determined to highlight the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
The six Pakistanis were among over 500 activists from more than 45 countries who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest such effort in years.
Mission and Interception
The convoy of more than 40 vessels set sail in late August carrying food, medical supplies, and other aid. Its goal was to break Israel’s 18-year blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million people.
But on Wednesday night, Israeli naval forces surrounded the flotilla, boarded several ships, and detained dozens of activists. Organizers accused Israel of using violence, ramming vessels, and mistreating detainees. Around 70 activists, including some Pakistanis, were reported in Israeli custody and transferred to the port of Ashdod.
Gaza’s Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The flotilla’s mission comes at a time when Gaza faces unprecedented devastation. Nearly 66,100 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed since Israel’s ground and air offensive began in October 2023. Hospitals are overwhelmed, food and medicine remain blocked, and famine is spreading across the enclave.
For Pakistan’s representatives, participation in the flotilla was more than symbolic — it was a direct attempt to challenge what they call Israel’s unlawful siege. “Our presence is a message that the people of Pakistan stand with Gaza,” one delegate said before communications from the flotilla were cut off.
Current situation:
The international aid flotilla bound for Gaza said on Thursday that dozens of its vessels were still advancing towards the Palestinian territory despite interceptions by the Israeli navy.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said that as of early morning, around 30 boats were “still sailing strong” and had reached within 46 nautical miles (85 km) of Gaza’s coast. The statement was posted on the social media platform X at 3:20 a.m. local time (0020 GMT).
Flotilla organizers accused Israeli naval forces of intercepting 13 boats carrying about 200 people, including activists from Spain and Italy. Agence France-Presse quoted flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek as saying that while some vessels had been stopped, the rest were continuing their journey.
“Our mission is going on,” Abukeshek said in a video posted on Instagram. “They are determined and motivated, and they are doing everything within their hands to be able to break the siege.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the participation of Pakistani citizens in the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it a reflection of the nation’s peace-loving spirit and commitment to humanitarian principles.
“I appreciate the dignified participation of Pakistani citizens in the Global Sumud Flotilla,” Sharif said in a statement posted on X.
“This initiative reflects the peace-loving aspirations of the Pakistani people, their struggle for justice, and their spirit of helping those in need,” Sharif said and added that the Government of Pakistan supports the principles of respect for human life, safe access, and unhindered aid, and strongly demands the return of its citizens.
“We are praying and striving for their safety, dignity, and earliest possible return home,” Sharif added.
