Former JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmad to Stand Before Israeli Court

ISLAMABAD – The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed that former Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, detained by Israeli forces while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, is safe and in custody. The assurance came via diplomatic sources from a friendly European country, the FO said in a statement on Sunday.

Arrest and Court Appearance

Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was leading a five-member Pakistani delegation on the humanitarian flotilla, was arrested on October 2 as Israeli forces intercepted the convoy. According to the FO, Ahmad will be presented before a local court in Israel as part of legal procedures. Following the court’s issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a “fast-track basis,” officials confirmed.

Diplomatic Engagements

The Foreign Office stated that measures were already underway to secure the return of Pakistani nationals separated from the flotilla in its initial phase. FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reiterated that Islamabad remains in close contact with relevant authorities to expedite the process.

JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also confirmed his conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which he urged swift action for Ahmad’s release. The premier assured him that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been tasked with overseeing efforts for the safe return of all detainees.

Nationwide Protests in Pakistan

Ahmad’s detention has sparked widespread anger across Pakistan. Thousands took to the streets in Karachi and towns across Sindh on October 4 to condemn Israel’s attack on the flotilla. On Rehman’s call, a nationwide protest day was observed on Friday, with rallies held in nearly every major city.

The Global Sumud Flotilla

The flotilla, a civilian-led initiative aimed at delivering medical aid and food to Gaza, comprised more than 40 boats carrying around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists from multiple countries. Organizers described the mission as peaceful and humanitarian.

Videos posted by flotilla members on Telegram showed passengers holding up passports and accusing Israel of forcibly abducting them. Despite repeated warnings from Israel to turn back, the flotilla pressed ahead, becoming one of the most high-profile demonstrations against Israel’s blockade of Gaza in recent years.

The mission also drew international attention, with countries such as Turkey, Spain, and Italy reportedly deploying boats and drones in anticipation of possible emergencies involving their nationals.