Pakistan’s Foreign Office has intensified diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens detained by Israeli forces after a flotilla bound for Gaza was intercepted earlier this week. The flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the ongoing blockade of Gaza, included several Pakistani nationals and international activists.
Islamabad Engages Global Partners
In a statement released on Sunday, the Foreign Office confirmed that it was in contact with international partners to secure the “safety and prompt repatriation” of Pakistani citizens arrested during the raid. The detained individuals included former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who led the Pakistani delegation aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.
According to the statement, “Through the diplomatic channels of a friendly European country, we have confirmed that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad is in the custody of Israeli occupying forces and is safe and in good health.” The FO added that Mushtaq would be presented before a court under Israeli legal procedures, and once deportation orders were issued, his repatriation would be expedited.
Government Coordinates Rescue Efforts
The Foreign Office said it had earlier coordinated the safe return of individuals who disembarked before the flotilla reached Israeli waters. “We express our profound gratitude to the brotherly countries that assisted in the repatriation of our citizens,” the statement read. The ministry reaffirmed that the government “remains committed to protecting all its citizens abroad and anticipates the completion of this repatriation process within the coming days.”
Read: Hamas Backs Trump Peace Plan, Raising Hopes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman on Friday, assuring him that the government was actively pursuing the release of the detained Pakistanis. Those held alongside Mushtaq Ahmad Khan included Mazhar Saeed Shah, Wajahat Ahmad, Dr. Osama Riaz, Ismail Khan, Syed Aziz Nizami, and Fahad Ishtiaq.
The Gaza Flotilla Mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail last month, with participants from various countries joining to deliver aid and break Israel’s blockade on Gaza. The convoy, comprising over 40 boats, represented a collective act of civil resistance and solidarity with Palestinians suffering under the siege.
As the flotilla approached Gaza’s territorial waters on the night of October 1, Israeli naval forces began intercepting the boats. By the following day, all vessels had been stopped. Footage from the flotilla’s onboard cameras, which streamed live for security reasons, showed Israeli troops boarding several ships and holding activists at gunpoint.
Global Condemnation of Israel’s Actions
Israel’s interception of the flotilla triggered international outrage. Governments and human rights organizations across the world expressed deep concern over the detention of aid workers and peace activists. Many demanded the immediate release of all those aboard, arguing that the flotilla’s humanitarian mission posed no threat.
After seizing the boats, Israeli authorities announced plans to deport the detainees to Europe, though they did not specify which countries would receive them. This lack of clarity prompted affected nations, including Pakistan, to step up diplomatic communication through various channels.
Reports of Harsh Treatment in Detention
International attention intensified after reports surfaced that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was also part of the flotilla, faced mistreatment in Israeli custody. According to The Guardian, Thunberg told Swedish officials she was held in poor conditions after being removed from the ship.
An email from Sweden’s foreign ministry, seen by the newspaper, described her claims of being detained in a cell infested with bedbugs, with insufficient food and water. Several other activists corroborated her account, saying Thunberg was even forced to hold an Israeli flag during her detention.
These allegations added further pressure on Israel as humanitarian organizations called for transparency regarding the treatment of all detainees, including those from Pakistan.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Law
The flotilla’s interception has reignited debates over Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which human rights groups describe as collective punishment against civilians. Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla maintained that their mission was peaceful and humanitarian in nature, aimed at delivering essential supplies and raising awareness about Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
Pakistan’s government emphasized that it stands with the global community in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. Officials reiterated that the detention of peaceful activists violated international norms and humanitarian principles.
Diplomatic Path Forward
With Mushtaq Ahmad Khan confirmed to be in safe condition, Pakistan’s diplomatic focus has now shifted to ensuring the swift release of all other detained nationals. The Foreign Office remains in regular contact with partner countries and relevant international organizations to expedite the process.
Officials said Pakistan would continue to raise the issue through diplomatic and humanitarian channels until all its citizens were safely returned home. The government also lauded international partners for their cooperation and called on global institutions to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Broader Implications
The raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla has once again drawn attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing tension between Israel and pro-Palestinian movements worldwide. For Pakistan, the incident underscores the importance of strong diplomatic engagement and the protection of its citizens abroad.
As Islamabad works for the safe repatriation of its nationals, the episode has amplified calls for greater accountability and respect for humanitarian missions navigating conflict zones.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates
