Ex-Senator Mushtaq Ahmad to Return to Pakistan on Oct 9: DPM Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Tuesday that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was released by Israeli authorities after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, will return to Pakistan on October 9.

Ahmad, a Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader, was among several activists detained earlier this month when Israeli forces intercepted the 45-ship Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza. The flotilla, which departed from Spain last month, aimed to break Israel’s blockade of the besieged enclave, where the United Nations has warned of a looming famine.

In a post on X, Dar said that after arriving in Islamabad from Malaysia, he had spoken with Ahmad via Pakistan’s ambassador in Amman, Jordan.

“Senator Mushtaq is fine and in high spirits. I lauded his courage and steadfastness for being part of the Sumud Flotilla in support of the Palestinian cause and efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Dar said.

He added that Ahmad had expressed gratitude to the Foreign Office for reaching out to him in Tel Aviv through a friendly European country’s mission and thanked the Pakistan Embassy in Amman for ensuring his safety and facilitating his stay.

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Ex-Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Released from Israeli Custody

Ex-senator recounts ordeal in Israeli custody
Following his release, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan shared details of the mistreatment he faced while in Israeli detention after the flotilla’s interception.

In a video message, he said he was held at Ketziot Prison — also known as Ansar III — a high-security facility in Israel’s Negev desert.

“I was subjected to torture. My eyes were blindfolded, guns were pointed at us,” he said. “I went on a hunger strike, and there was no access to air, drinking water, or medication,” he added, describing the harsh conditions faced by those detained.

Ahmad said the experience had strengthened his resolve to continue supporting the Palestinian cause and to speak out about his detention upon his return to Pakistan.