Ex-senator Mushtaq's safe return likely in next few days: FO

He was arrested by Israeli forces while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla

ISLAMABAD:

The Foreign Office on Monday stated that it is hopeful the safe evacuation of former senator Mushtaq Ahmad will be "successfully completed within the next few days."

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, through its Embassy in Amman, is working tirelessly to secure the safe evacuation of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan," the FO said in a statement.

"With the invaluable assistance of the Jordanian government, we are hopeful that the process can be successfully concluded within the next couple of days," it added.

"We are deeply grateful to the brotherly government of Jordan for their exemplary cooperation and generous support."

Earlier on Sunday, the FO in a statement said diplomatic sources in a friendly European country have confirmed that former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is safe and in the custody of Israeli occupying forces.

Ahmad 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."

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

In a post on X, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-i-Islaami, confirmed his conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying he had urged the premier to "accelerate efforts" for the release and recovery of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.