Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was among those arrested by Israeli forces on Wednesday while leading the Pakistani delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international convoy carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The flotilla, comprising over 40 vessels and around 500 activists, parliamentarians, and volunteers from 44 countries, aims to break Israel’s blockade and deliver essential food, medicine, and relief supplies to Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of severe famine.
According to the advocacy group Pak-Palestine Forum, Khan’s vessel was intercepted as part of Israel’s ongoing effort to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza. Only one ship, the observer boat, reportedly managed to evade capture, relaying updates on the flotilla’s status, including the arrest of Khan. Former senator Faisal Javed Khan called for prayers for Mushtaq Ahmad Khan’s safety, condemning Israel’s aggression against peaceful humanitarians.
Pakistan’s government has strongly condemned the detention. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Israel’s interception as “dastardly” and demanded the immediate release of all detained activists. He emphasised that their only “crime” was attempting to carry aid to the people of Gaza. The Foreign Office echoed these concerns, calling the arrests a “flagrant violation of international law” and urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Political leaders, including Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Jamat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, also expressed solidarity with Khan and the flotilla, denouncing the interception as “state terrorism” and announcing nationwide protests in Pakistan to support Gaza.
Despite the interception, the Global Sumud Flotilla organisers confirmed that dozens of vessels remain en route to Gaza, with some less than 50 kilometres from the coast. Khan’s detention has drawn widespread international attention, highlighting the risks faced by those challenging Israel’s blockade in a high-profile humanitarian mission.