Former JI senator Mushtaq Ahmad to stand before Israeli court

Islamabad seeks swift repatriation, says sources in 'friendly European country' confirm ex-senator is safe

The Foreign Office, in a satement released on X, said that confirmation has been received via diplomatic sources in a friendly European country that former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is safe and in the custody of the Israeli occupying forces.

Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was arrested by Israeli forces while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, as confirmed on October 2. Ahmad was leading the five-member Pakistani delegation as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

"We have been further advised that, in accordance with local procedures, Ahmad will be presented before a court. Upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis."

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Statement by the Spokesperson on Media Inquiries Concerning Pakistani Nationals Aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla

🔗⬇️https://t.co/OinMwI2Lk0 pic.twitter.com/Q9cDosiVCI

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 5, 2025

According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already taken steps for the safe return of individuals who separated from the flotilla in the initial phase.

In a post on X, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, a senior member of Jamaat-i-Islaami, confirmed his conversation with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying he had urged the premier to “accelerate efforts” for the release and recovery of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. He said the prime minister informed him that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had been assigned this responsibility.

Read: In call with JI chief, PM vows efforts to free Flotilla detainees

A short while ago, in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, I urged him to accelerate efforts for the release and recovery of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. The Prime Minister said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been assigned this responsibility. We made it clear…

— Naeem ur Rehman (@NaeemRehmanEngr) October 3, 2025

Thousands of people in Karachi and other major cities and towns of Sindh came out on the roads to denounce the Israeli attack on aid ships heading to Gaza on October 4.

On the appeal of Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, a nationwide protest day was observed on Friday against the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla. Similar rallies were held in almost every major town of Sindh.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, transporting medicine and food to Gaza, consisted of more than 40 civilian boats with about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists.

The flotilla put out several videos on Telegram with messages from individuals aboard the various boats, some holding their passports and claiming they were abducted and taken to Israel against their will, and reiterating that their mission was a non-violent humanitarian cause.

The flotilla is the most high-profile symbol of opposition to Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Its progress across the Mediterranean Sea garnered international attention as nations including Turkey, Spain and Italy sent boats or drones in case their nationals required assistance, even as it triggered repeated warnings from Israel to turn back.