PM demands release of Pakistani citizens aboard Global Sumud Flotilla

PM demands return of Pakistani citizens

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, appreciating the "dignified" participation of Pakistani nationals in Sumud Gaza Flotilla, demanded their return as they were intercepted on their way to Gaza to supply the humanitarian aid.

The prime minister, in a post on X, appreciated the Pakistani nationals including Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Mazhar Saeed Shah, Wajahat Ahmed, Dr Osama Riaz, Ismail Khan, Syed Aziz Nizami and Fahad Ishtiaq, among other Pakistanis, who took part in this great humanitarian mission in accordance with the principles of human compassion.

"This initiative represents the peace-loving aspirations of the Pakistani people, their struggle for justice, and their spirit of helping those in need," he remarked.

He said that the government of Pakistan supported the principles of respect for human life, safe access, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid.

"The Government of Pakistan…strongly demands the return of its citizens while praying and striving for their safety, dignity, and swift return to the homeland," he added.

Earlier in another post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned the dastardly attack by Israeli forces on the Sumud Gaza flotilla, carrying over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries on a mission to take humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"This barbarity must end. Peace must be given a chance and humanitarian aid must reach those in need," he wrote.

He expressed the hope and prayed for the safety of all those who have been illegally apprehended by Israeli forces and called for their immediate release.

"Their crime was to carry aid for the hapless Palestinian people," the prime minister remarked.

Foreign Office

Pakistan has unequivocally condemned Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a vital humanitarian mission embodying global solidarity and moral resolve.

In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Office spokesperson said, "The Israeli actions constitute a grave violation of international law."

He said, "On September 16, 2025, Pakistan, alongside 15 nations, issued a joint statement expressing concern for the flotilla's security."

"The safety and well-being of Pakistani citizens aboard the flotilla are of paramount importance," he said adding, "As Pakistan does not recognize Israel, we are working closely with international partners in the region to secure their immediate release and ensure their safety."

He said Pakistan continued to coordinate with allied nations to safeguard its nationals, reaffirming its commitment to their swift and safe return.

President

President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Sumud Gaza Flotilla.

In a statement, the President paid tribute to the bravery and humanitarianism of Pakistani citizens on the flotilla.

He said that the attack on the aid mission was a serious violation of human rights and international laws.

He called on the international community to ensure uninterrupted supply of aid to the citizens of Gaza.

He expressed best wishes for the safety and immediate return of Pakistanis present on the flotilla.

He said Pakistan will always stand with the oppressed Palestinian people.