Amman (TDI): Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, has been released and is now in the care of the Pakistan Embassy in Amman, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Tuesday.
Ahmad was among several passengers taken into custody earlier this month after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy attempting to deliver relief supplies to Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a post on X, Dar wrote, “I am pleased to confirm that former senator Mushtaq has been released and is now safely with the Pakistan Embassy in Amman. He is in good health and high spirits. The embassy stands ready to facilitate his return to Pakistan, in accordance with his wishes and convenience.”
The deputy prime minister expressed appreciation to friendly governments for their support in securing Ahmad’s release, saying Pakistan “gratefully acknowledges the active engagement and assistance extended by partner countries.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising around 45 vessels carrying activists, lawmakers, and humanitarian workers, had departed from Spain last month with the stated goal of breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The United Nations has warned that the territory faces an imminent famine amid the ongoing conflict.
Read More: Pakistan, Jordan Coordinating to Evacuate Ex-Senator Mushtaq from Israeli Detention
In a video statement recorded after his release, Ahmad described facing harsh treatment while in Israeli custody. He said he was held at Ketziot Prison, also known as Ansar III, a high-security facility located in Israel’s Negev desert.
“I was blindfolded, threatened at gunpoint, and denied food, air, and medicine,” he said. “I went on a hunger strike in protest against the inhumane conditions.”
Ahmad added that he plans to return to Pakistan soon and share a detailed account of his experience. “We will continue our struggle for the freedom of Palestine,” he stated.
Reports from international media have also highlighted similar accounts from other detainees aboard the flotilla. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was also detained during the raid, alleged she was kept in a cell “infested with bedbugs,” given insufficient food and water, and forced to hold flags for photographs.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s state media reported that 131 activists from the Gaza flotilla were deported from Israel to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge crossing.
Read More: PM Vows Efforts for Ex-Senator Mushtaq Ahmad’s Release
A statement from Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said the deported activists hailed from over 20 countries, including Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Turkiye, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Serbia, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK, the US, and Uruguay.
The ministry said Jordanian authorities are coordinating with the respective embassies to ensure the safe repatriation of all released detainees.
