ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has confirmed that former-senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who reached Jordan after release from Israel following interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, will arrive in Pakistan on October 9.
In a post on X, Ishaq Dar informed that he has spoken to Senator Mushtaq through Pakistan’s Ambassador in Amman, Jordon. He said Senator Mushtaq is fine and in high spirits.
Ishaq Dar said he lauded the courage and steadfastness of Senator Mushtaq for being part of the Sumud Flotilla in support of the Palestinian cause, to break the siege and deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Ishaq Dar said Senator Mushtaq has thanked for the efforts made by the Pakistan Foreign Office in reaching out to him and for the full support and facilitation for his stay and safety in Amman by Pakistan Embassy.
Earlier, the former senator was released by the Israeli authorities.
Prior to this, in a post on X, the Pak Palestine Forum said, “Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan arrested by Israel.”
The group further said: “Only one ship has managed to escape, i.e., [the] observer boat, whose duty was to collect information and escape. Our second delegate Syed Uzair Nizami was sailing on the observer boat and shared the information regarding the interception of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan’s ship.”
According to Al Jazeera, the flotilla’s spokesperson, Saif Aboukshik, confirmed the detentions on Instagram, stating that individuals from Spain (30), Italy (22), Turkey (21), and Malaysia (12) were among those arrested.
Despite these arrests, Aboukshik assured that the mission would continue, with nearly 30 boats still attempting to reach Gaza through the Mediterranean. He stated, “Our volunteers are determined and motivated, and they will do everything possible to reach Gaza’s shores by morning.”
What is a flotilla, and how is it linked to Gaza’s humanitarian aid?
A flotilla is a formation of group of vessels sailing together for a shared mission. The term comes from Spanish and often describes civilian convoys in today’s coverage.
Activists use flotillas to travel in groups for safety, visibility, and coordination.
In Gaza’s case, the link began with the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a six ship effort that later formed the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Since then, follow on attempts in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, and in June and July 2025 were all intercepted by Israeli forces.
In August 2025, the coalition joined the Global Sumud Flotilla and launched new convoys toward Gaza to deliver symbolic aid and challenge the blockade.
Interception of a civilian convoy raises legal and moral concerns about humanitarian access
Activists reported that Israeli naval craft approached with transponders off and ordered boats to cut engines.
Organisers said the Alma and Sirius were among the vessels halted.
The flotilla counts nearly fifty boats and about five hundred participants, including Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela. It carries a symbolic amount of aid to highlight blocked access to Gaza.
Israel says aid should move through other channels where IDF has more authority. Critics counter that diverting a peaceful convoy silences visibility, delays relief caused by IDF soldiers, and treats humanitarian volunteers as suspects rather than partners.
